FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 27, 2026
Contact: Black Hawk County Public Health
Phone: (319) 291-2413
publichealth@blackhawkcounty.iowa.gov
The Black Hawk County Board of Health has approved updated Position Statements on Community Water Fluoridation and the Sale of Raw Milk to the Public. The actions reaffirm the Board’s commitment to evidence-based public health policies that protect residents of all ages.
These updates follow the Board’s January approval of a revised Position Statement on Radon and are part of an ongoing effort to regularly review policies to ensure they reflect current science, transparency, and local health priorities.
Community Water Fluoridation
Community water fluoridation is the controlled adjustment of fluoride in public water systems to the level recommended by the U.S. Public Health Service (0.7 milligrams per liter) to prevent tooth decay. With more than 75 years of research, it remains one of the most studied and widely implemented public health measures in the United States.
Tooth decay continues to be the most common chronic disease of childhood and affects adults as well. In Black Hawk County, more than one-third of children and adolescents experience signs of decay, and dental-related emergency department visits exceed the state average.
The Board affirms that fluoridation at recommended levels is safe, effective, and cost-efficient. It reduces tooth decay by approximately 25 percent in children and adults and benefits residents regardless of age, income, or access to dental care.
“Community water fluoridation is a foundational prevention strategy that benefits the entire community,” said Disa Cornish, Board of Health Chair. “It is a safe and cost-effective way to improve oral health and prevent unnecessary pain and treatment.”
Raw Milk
The Board also approved a revised Position Statement on the Sale of Raw Milk to the Public, originally adopted in 2013 and updated to reflect current evidence and laws.
The Board does not support the retail sale of raw milk or raw milk products for public consumption. Scientific evidence shows raw milk offers no meaningful nutritional advantage over pasteurized milk while posing significant risk of foodborne illness.
Even under sanitary conditions, raw milk can contain harmful pathogens such as E. coli, Salmonella, Campylobacter, and Listeria. These infections can cause severe illnesses, particularly in young children, older adults, pregnant individuals, and people with weakened immune systems.
Although raw milk accounts for a small fraction of total milk consumption nationally, it is responsible for a disproportionate share of milk-related disease outbreaks. The Board supports current Iowa law restricting retail sales of raw milk as sound public health policy.
Commitment to Evidence-Based Review
The position statements were revised through a structured review process led by Black Hawk County Public Health workgroups. Each workgroup evaluated current scientific evidence, national and state guidance, and professional recommendations before presenting updates to the Board for approval. This ongoing review process reflects the Board’s commitment to transparency, scientific integrity, and accountability in articulating its official positions on significant public health issues.
The full Position Statements on Community Water Fluoridation, Raw Milk, and Radon are available on the Black Hawk County Public Health website.
Residents with questions are encouraged to contact Black Hawk County Public Health for reliable information and resources.
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Black Hawk County Public Health exists to ensure that people in our community have equitable opportunities and resources to lead healthier, more fulfilling, and longer lives. Established in 1969, the health department's mission is to protect people in our community from health hazards, promote healthy behaviors, and prevent disease. Black Hawk County Public Health was accredited by the National Public Health Accreditation Board in 2022. For more information about health department services visit the Black Hawk County Public Health website.