Toronto Puts Fluoride in Tap Water… But Why?

Toothpaste on a brush used to discuss fluoride in drinking water
Every sip of tap water in Toronto contains a small dose of fluoride — the same chemical found in toothpaste.
The idea sounds simple enough: fluoride strengthens teeth, right?
But the full story is a bit more complicated.
Close-up of water with fluoride concept graphic
Where It Started
Back in the 1940s, a small U.S. town called Grand Rapids added fluoride to its water supply.
A few years later, researchers noticed the town’s residents had fewer cavities.
That single study kicked off a global movement — and now, over 70% of Canadian cities add fluoride to public water.
Fluorite mineral representing fluoride origins
Why It’s Controversial
Here’s the nuance: Fluoride does help teeth — when applied topically (like toothpaste or mouth rinse).
But drinking it every day is a different story.

Toothpaste tubes even carry a warning label: “Do not swallow.”
Why? Because excess fluoride can lead to fluorosis — white or brown spots on teeth, and in severe cases, bone issues.

For adults, the small amount in tap water isn’t alarming.
But for children under 18, whose bodies are smaller and still developing, long-term exposure can accumulate faster than expected.

Modern Questions
Today, people are asking:
If we already brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste,
why do we also need it in our water supply?

Especially when Toronto’s water already passes through miles of old pipes, picking up trace metals, chlorine, and other substances on the way to your glass.
Aging household pipes to illustrate potential trace metals
It’s Not Just Fluoride
Tap water can legally contain dozens of trace contaminants — from agricultural run-off to microscopic residues of prescription drugs.
Each one is technically “within limits,” but those limits don’t account for years of daily consumption.
That’s why more homeowners are turning to reverse osmosis (RO) — the same filtration process used in hospitals, restaurants, and even submarines.
Diagram showing multi-stage reverse osmosis filtration

See It In Action

The system sits under your sink inside the cabinet: a compact filter stack + storage tank. It’s quiet, uses no power, and feeds a small drinking faucet beside your main tap. The tank keeps water ready so flow is instant. Typical maintenance: pre/post filters every 6–12 months; membrane every 2–3+ years.


Here’s How It Looks


Installed reverse osmosis unit with multi-stage filter canisters
Dedicated reverse osmosis drinking faucet mounted beside the main kitchen tap
Reverse osmosis pressurized storage tank providing on-demand flow

GeekFlow Waters: Bringing Clean, Balanced Water to Toronto Homes


We install GeekPure reverse osmosis filters — the same multi-stage technology used by the pros.
Under-sink systems, 90-minute installs, and lifetime service.
Protect your family and enjoy better-tasting water right from the tap.

📍 Serving the Greater Toronto Area
💧 Flat-rate installation: $599
📞 Call or text (+1) 437-575-5595