Lismore, Ballina water supply to be fluoridated by August

THE water supply of Lismore, Ballina and surrounds will be fluoridated as early as August, despite the protests of some local residents.

THE water supply of Lismore, Ballina and surrounds will be fluoridated as early as August, despite the protests of some local residents.

Fluoridation of water supplies will not occur in Nimbin or Byron.

Concerns have included opposition against "mass medication", varied health concerns, and claims the fluoride planned for use is an industrial waste product.

Rous Water technical services director Wayne Franklin said contractors had been testing the NSW Health-funded fluoridation plants at Corndale, Knockrow, Dorroughby and Clunes.

The windowless structures have been built with thick concrete slabs to withstand vandalism and any security breaches.

"Next week contractors will demonstrate to us that the plants function properly," Mr Franklin said.

"After that, the NSW Office of Water will come out to commission the plants and then, if all goes well, they'll recommend we be given approval to begin fluoridation.

"I'm thinking, at this stage, by August we'll have it all turned on."