Variability in fluoride content of subsurface water reservoirs

Groundwater may contain high concentrations of fluoride. In most countries, however, information on the fluoride content is scarce and anecdotal. The aim of the present study was to make a comprehensive assessment of F- in the groundwater of a representative area of Norway, thereby establishing a more solid basis for appropriate health counseling. Relevant technical information was collected, together with water samples from 1063 underground water sources in 31 municipalities in the county of Hordaland. One thousand and two water samples were analyzed for F- and pH with an F--selective electrode and a pH electrode, respectively. Mean F- was 0.30 mg/l (range, <0.02-9.48). Fourteen per cent of the wells contained water with F- levels greater than or equal to 0.50 mg/l. In three municipalities well water had a mean F- concentration >0.70 mg/l; in one instance the mean was as high as 1.45 mg/l. In 10 municipalities maximum F- values were >1.50 mg/l. F- values showed a positive correlation with the pH of the water and the depth of the wells (P < 0.01) and a negative correlation with the age of the well (P < 0.05). The results indicated that low-capacity wells deliver water with a higher F- value than high-capacity wells. This trend, however, was not statistically significant. The results show that high-F groundwater is prevalent and emphasize that information on domestic water supply must be available before supplementary fluoride is prescribed for caries prophylactic purposes.