Downtown in Grand Rapids in Kent County, Michigan — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
Steel Water
Cyril Lixenberg Sculpture
| | 2007 | |
Photographed by Joel Seewald, April 5, 2024
1. Steel Water Marker
On January 25, 1945, Grand Rapids was the first community in the world to reduce tooth decay by adding fluoride to its water supply. This sculpture was commissioned to celebrate and commemorate that historic event.
Before water fluoridation, many people lost all of their teeth at an early age. Recruits were often rejected for service to their country in World War II because of tooth loss due to uncontrolled cavities. Water fluoridation was the first step in restoring good oral health for our nation and indeed the world.
Dental decay afflicts nearly all of the world's population, but through water fluoridation cavities were decreased by up to 65%. Grand Rapids' pioneering step in advancing public health has spread worldwide, improving health and alleviating needless pain and suffering.
[Text on the right side of the marker is in Braille.]
Erected 2007 by The West Michigan Dental Community.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Science & Medicine. A significant historical date for this entry is January 25, 1945.
Location. 42° 57.932′ N, 85° 40.471′ W. Marker is in Grand Rapids, Michigan, in Kent County. It is in Downtown. It can be reached from Louis Street Northwest west of Campau Avenue Northwest. Marker is at
this page online
Regionally, this marker is in West Michigan. It is also in the American Midwest and on the Great Lakes. Globally, it is in North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once the Northwest Territory.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Log Jam of 1883 (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); Island #1 (about 400 feet away); Rich DeVos and Jay Van Andel (about 400 feet away); The Salvation Army (about 500 feet away); Love, 1966-1999 (about 600 feet away); Pearl Street Bridge (about 600 feet away); Valley City Milling Company (about 600 feet away); Furniture Industry (about 700 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Grand Rapids.
Photographed by Joel Seewald, April 5, 2024
2. Steel Water Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on March 1, 2026. It was originally submitted on August 1, 2024, by Joel Seewald of Madison Heights, Michigan. This page has been viewed 592 times since then and 56 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on August 1, 2024, by Joel Seewald of Madison Heights, Michigan.
