IN NOVEMBER, Parliament gave power to health authorities to order water companies to add fluoridation chemicals to the public drinking water after public consultations.

The water companies want civil and criminal indemnity if they are forced to fluoridate, because they know that fluoridation contravenes several human rights conventions and Acts. The new Water Act violates every person's right to refuse medication or treatment for non-contagious diseases.

Normal water filters do not remove fluoride: expensive reverse osmosis equipment is needed. The alternative is to buy bottled water, in addition to paying our water rates.

I urge everyone who wants pure drinking water from their tap to write to their water company and their strategic health authority stating their opposition to fluoridation. Information from the National Pure Water Association, 01226 360909 (www.hpwa. freeserve. co.uk)

SHEILA MILNE,

Foley Street, Hereford.