MRS CA Wilson's letter (August 11) about fluoride and water quality in Halesowen is unfortunate, because it is based on wrong assumptions.

I live within five miles of Halesowen, and although my water comes from a different source, it includes added fluoride.

Yet my water has none of the features mentioned by Mrs Wilson. If Mrs Wilson's sisters' water is cloudy, it's nothing to do with fluoride.

Let's not allow the issue to be clouded as well.

Fluoride is present in all water supplies, even Bolton's, albeit at tiny levels.

Elsewhere, fluoride is added -- also at tiny levels -- to protect communities from the worst effects of tooth decay.

Either way, without scientific tests it is absolutely impossible to detect it by colour, taste or hardness of water.

Water quality is unaffected -- it will be as good (or as bad) as before.

Mrs Wilson says Bolton people do not want it. I hope they have been able to base their choice on the plentiful scientific research showing fluoride is safe and effective, not on rumours and myths.

Here in the West Midlands, five million have first-hand experience, and repeated surveys have shown a clear majority in support of water fluoridation.

The rightness of the choice is confirmed by the best children's teeth in the country.

JA McMichael

(Worcestershire)

Nr Halesowen