 In 1957, the Department of Health established a "Fluorine Consultative Council" which recommended fluoridation at 1.0 ppm of public water supplies, then accessed by approximately 50% of the population.This was felt to be an effective way of preventing tooth decay, in an era before fluoridated toothpaste was commonly used.This led to the "Health (Fluoridation of Water Supplies) Act" 1960, which mandated compulsory fluoridation by local authorities.