Having just read that our water is among EU's finest (The Argus, June 30) instead of feeling reasured that my drinking water is, at the moment, safe to drink, it raised several questions.

The article mentions £54 million was spent during 2003 to improve water quality by upgrading and installing new systems. With the Government so keen to add hexafluorosilic acid (fluoride) to our water, if necessary by "subtle means", did these "new systems" include fluoridation equipment? Is the Government so confident they can pull the wool over our eyes that the wheels have been set in motion before we have been given a chance to decide whether we want to be mass medicated in this way?

Last year, the Government made an amendment to the Water Bill that compels water companies to fluoridate when requested to do so by the Strategic Health Authorities.

As fluorine is naturally attracted to calcium, where would the justification be in adding hexafluorosilic acid to our water supply (other, of course, than to dispose of an unwanted and hazardous by-product)? There's an awful lot of chalk in them there hills.

I hope Southern Water has a genuine commitment to "improving and maintaining the standards for future generations" and stand up to the illegal and under-handed tactics of the Government and Strategic Health Authorities.

With bills set to rise the cost may not only be financial but the health of our children and ourselves.

-Helen Dear, Southwick