Standards and Regulations Related to Fluoride in Drinking Water
Water fluoridation is the practise of adjusting the fluoride content of drinking water. Fluoride is added to water for the public health benefit of greatly reducing the incidence of tooth decay and therefore improving the health of the community.
NSF certifies three products in the fluoridation category:
- 1
Fluorosilicic acid (aka fluosilicic acid or hydrofluosilicic acid)
- 2
Sodium fluorosilicate (aka sodium silicofluoride)
- 3
Sodium fluoride
All three products readily dissociate in water to release fluoride and related ions. In the case of the fluorosilicates, they fully dissociate to fluoride and silicate ions in association with either hydrogen or sodium ions1. In the case of sodium fluoride, it fully dissociates to form fluoride and sodium ions.
Treatment products that are used for fluoridation are specifically addressed in Section 7 of NSF/ANSI/CAN 60. The standard requires that the treatment products added to drinking water, as well as any impurities in the products, are supported by an evaluation of potential health effects resulting from exposure to the products or associated contaminants.
How NSF Can Help You
What’s New with NSF
NSF Awards World-First Community Catch Certification to Orkney Crab Fishery
July 13, 2026Milestone certification sets a new benchmark for small-scale fishery sustainability and social responsibility.
NSF Issues First-Ever MSC Certification for an Eel Fishery to Perupez S.A.C. and Sakana del Peru
June 19, 2026Third-party certification plays a key role in independently verifying the sustainability of seafood operations.
NSF Ends UK’s Three-Year Testing Gap with REG 31 Testing Designation
May 20, 2026NSF’s Oakdale laboratory becomes the UK’s sole facility offering comprehensive BS 6920 and REG 31 testing, closing a critical drinking water safety gap.
NSF Annual Review and Impact Report 2025 Now Live
April 20, 2026NSF has published its Annual Review and Impact Report 2025, detailing the organization’s progress over the past year and outlining strategic priorities for 2026.