The Clunes water supply is now being fluoridated, and the other three dosing plants in the region are about to be switched on.
Rous Water general manager Kyme Lavelle this morning confirmed that the Clunes dosing plant was now operational.
The others, at Corndale, Dorroughby and Knockrow, are expected to be turned on sometime this week.
The beginning of fluoridation follows a concerted campaign by anti-fluoride activists, who have staged ongoing protests.
Just last night, Lismore councillor Vanessa Ekins tried unsuccessfully to push for a community poll on the issue, but she only received support from Cs Greg Bennett and Simon Clough, (who was last night elected deputy mayor).
Cr Ekins will now push ahead with a notice of motion for the next meeting of Rous Water, calling on the water authority to stop the fluoridation until until the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) has completed the review into reducing fluoride concentrations from 1mg/l to 0.7mg/l.
The Rous Water supply network covers Lismore City Council (excluding Nimbin); Richmond Valley Council (excluding Casino township); and Ballina Shire (excluding Wardell water supply). In addition, most Rous Water town water customers in these three council areas will also receive fluoridated water.
Anti-fluoride actitivist Al Oshlack said the community had been let down by the Lismore councillors who voted against Cr Ekins motion.
He said the Fluoride Free Northern Rivers group would continue protesting fluoridation, and would be urging people to mark their voting slips ‘no fluoride’ at the next round of local government elections.
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