YOKOSUKA, Japan - The Non-profit Japanese Conference on the Promotion of the Use of Fluoride in Caries Prevention (NPO-JPUF) visited Naval Facilities Engineering Command (NAVFAC) Far East facilities June 19 to learn how Public Works Department (PWD) Yokosuka fluoridates tap water here.
Utilities and Energy Management Division employees showed NPO-JPUF representatives how fluoride is mixed into the water supply and how water is sampled to ensure proper fluoride levels.
"One of our duties is to support Commander, Fleet Activities Yokosuka's health and cavity-prevention efforts,” said Chiharu Kayama, Steam Distribution System inspector and mechanic. “It was an honor to take the representatives from the NPO-JPUF on a tour of our facilities."
Nearly all naturally occurring water sources contain fluoride—a mineral that has been proven to prevent, and even reverse, tooth decay. Water fluoridation prevents tooth decay mainly by providing teeth with frequent contact with low levels of fluoride.
NPO-JPUF initiated a request for the tour.
“We visited facilities and got a detailed briefing on water fluoridation that made us redefine our ideas of water fluoridation and cavity prevention,” said Kazunari Kimoto, an associate professor at the Kanagawa Dental University Graduate School.
PWD Yokosuka monitors and delivers more than 634 million gallons (2.4 million cubic meters) of water each year to base residents and employees. NAVFAC, collaborating with Regional Water Quality Boards, Installation Water Quality Boards and the Water Quality Oversight Counsel, is responsible for complying with and executing U.S. drinking water quality standards for U.S. Navy installations overseas.