Have you ever wondered whether the water coming from your tap in Glendale is suitable for your teeth? Parents, in particular, have questions about fluoride, water hardness, and filtration as they make the best decisions for their children’s oral health.
The short answer? Yes, Glendale’s drinking water is safe, carefully regulated, and beneficial for dental health. The longer answer explains why and clears up several common misconceptions along the way.
Where Does Glendale’s Drinking Water Come From?
The City of Glendale does not operate an entirely independent water treatment system. Instead, it purchases a significant portion of its drinking water from the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California (MWD). This regional wholesaler supplies treated water to nearly 19 million residents across Los Angeles County and surrounding areas.
MWD imports water from two primary sources:
- The Colorado River, via the Colorado River Aqueduct
- Northern California, through the State Water Project
First, this water is treated at one of MWD’s major water treatment plants. Then, it is delivered to member agencies, including Glendale, where it enters the local water system.
MWD publishes an extensive Annual Drinking Water Quality Report that explains how it treats, monitors, and tests its water to meet or exceed state and federal drinking water standards. For the most recent reporting year, MWD confirmed that its water met all primary health-related drinking water standards, including those related to fluoride levels.
Is Glendale Water Fluoridated?
Would you be surprised to learn that Glendale’s water is fluoridated? Because the city purchases water from MWD, the water supply is fluoridated to recommended levels to prevent tooth decay. MWD’s water quality report confirms that its fluoride levels meet public health authorities' guidelines for cavity prevention.
The level is:
- High enough to strengthen tooth enamel and reduce cavities
- Low enough to remain safe for daily consumption
For families in Glendale, this means fluoride is already being delivered consistently through tap water, without the need for supplements.
Do Glendale Children Need Fluoride Supplements?
In most cases, no.
Dentists typically recommend fluoride supplements only in areas without fluoridated water. Because Glendale’s water already contains optimal levels of fluoride, supplements are generally unnecessary. And, without professional guidance, it may even lead to overexposure.
Parents considering fluoride drops, tablets, or other supplements should always consult a dentist first. A child’s overall fluoride exposure includes:
- Drinking water
- Toothpaste
- Professional fluoride treatments
- Dietary sources
For Glendale families, tap water alone already provides a strong foundation for cavity prevention.
Is Glendale Water “Hard”? Yes, and That’s Not a Bad Thing
Another common question involves water hardness. Glendale’s water is considered hard, with levels generally ranging from 7 to 10 grains per gallon. This classification reflects the natural presence of minerals such as calcium and magnesium, not contamination or poor quality.
From a dental perspective, it’s essential to understand what hard water does and does not do:
What Hard Water Does Not Do
- It does not weaken enamel
- It does not cause cavities
- It does not cancel out fluoride’s protective effects
What Hard Water Can Affect
- How toothpaste foams
- How soap lathers
- Mineral residue on sinks and fixtures
- Taste or mouthfeel for some people
Hard water minerals occur naturally and are monitored as part of routine water quality testing.
Why Toothpaste Foams Less with Hard Water
Some Glendale residents notice that their toothpaste doesn’t foam as much as expected, often leading to the incorrect belief that their toothpaste isn’t working.
In reality, foam is not a measure of cleaning power.
Hard water minerals can reduce the foaming action of toothpaste, but they do not reduce its ability to deliver fluoride or remove plaque. Effective brushing depends far more on:
- Brushing technique
- Duration (two minutes)
- Consistent daily habits
Should Glendale Residents Filter Their Water for Dental Health?
Water filtration is a personal choice, often based on taste preferences rather than safety concerns. From a dental standpoint, the type of filtration system matters.
Basic carbon filters:
- Improve taste and odor
- Do not remove fluoride
- Are generally fine for dental health
Reverse osmosis systems:
- Remove fluoride and many minerals
- May reduce cavity protection if fluoride is not replaced
If you use a reverse osmosis system, let your dentist know, especially if your kids drink filtered water exclusively. In those cases, they may recommend additional fluoride on a case-by-case basis.
How Glendale Water Is Tested and Monitored
To ensure that Glendale’s water supply is safe and consistently maintained, MWD uses a multi-barrier approach to protect drinking water, including:
- Protecting source water quality from contaminants
- Treating water to remove potential contaminants
- Preventing water quality deterioration in the distribution system
- Conducting routine laboratory testing
MWD conducts hundreds of thousands of water quality tests each year. They specifically track fluoride levels to ensure they comply with California’s fluoridation requirements.
The Bottom Line for Glendale Smiles
If you’re a Glendale resident, these systems and checks should give you more peace of mind, knowing that:
- Glendale tap water is fluoridated.
- Fluoride levels are ideal for cavity prevention.
- Hard water minerals do not harm teeth.
- Most families do not need fluoride supplements.
A Personalized Approach to Fluoride and Children’s Dental Health
While Glendale’s drinking water provides fluoride at safe levels shown to help prevent tooth decay, every child’s dental needs are different. Their age, enamel strength, cavity history, diet, and overall fluoride exposure play a role in determining what’s appropriate for your child.
Dr. Lucio H. Kim takes the time to evaluate each child to ensure balanced fluoride exposure; enough to protect developing teeth, without unnecessary supplements. If you have additional questions about fluoride, water safety, or preventive care, consulting a dentist can provide clarity and peace of mind.
Schedule an appointment with Dr. Kim today to discuss your child’s oral health, preventive needs, and whether Glendale’s fluoridated water is fully supporting a healthy smile.