The Department of Health and Human Services states 90 per cent of Victorians now drink water with either naturally-occurring or added fluoride, protecting teeth against decay.

This includes parts of Indigo Shire – Chiltern, Barnawartha, Kiewa and Tangambalanga – that receive their water from Wodonga.

But the larger towns receiving water from the Nine Mile catchment and Wahgunyah do not get the same health benefits.

Indigo councillors voted unanimously at Tuesday’s meeting to start a conversation with North East Water in regard to adding fluoride to the reticulated water supply.

Mayor Bernard Gaffney submitted the motion, saying he had an open mind on the issue.

"The motion is that we request the CEO start a conversation, it's not to say we're in favour of it," he said.

“I realise this can be an emotive issue and there would need to be wide community consultation before any decision was made, however I believe it is important for the conversation to begin.”

Cr Gaffney told The Border Mail Beechworth was one of only a small number of towns in the state without fluoride in its water.

“There have been members of the community come to me about this,” he said.

“The water here is certainly pure, but you’ve got to think of our children and our grandchildren.”

North East Water only adds fluoride to the approved catchments of Benalla, Wangaratta, Wodonga and Yarrawonga at the direction of the DHHS.

A DHHS spokesman said the department would consider population size and the feasibility of operating a fluoridation plant when looking at an application.

“Water fluoridation is recognised as an important public health measure that is equitable, safe and helps protect everybody's teeth against decay, regardless of age, gender, income or education levels,” he said.