Final answer:
The overconsumption of fluoride from drinking water altered to meet EPA guidelines is not common, as the EPA sets a maximum level of 4 ppm to prevent fluoride-related health issues. The community water fluoridation process is tightly controlled, and fluoride in water has the primary benefit of preventing tooth decay.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement that overconsumption of fluoride is a common consequence of drinking water that has been altered to meet guidelines from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is False. The EPA has set maximum contaminant levels to prevent overconsumption. Specifically, regulations by the EPA establish a maximum level of 4 ppm (parts per million) or 4 mg/L (milligrams per liter) for fluoride in drinking water to protect against health risks such as skeletal fluorosis. Areas with naturally high levels of fluoride in groundwater can suffer from fluorosis if those sources are not adequately treated to reduce fluoride levels.
Community water fluoridation is a controlled process of adjusting fluoride concentrations to prevent tooth decay and is considered the most cost-effective method of delivering fluoride. While fluoride can protect teeth from decay, it's crucial to monitor and regulate fluoride levels in public water systems, a role fulfilled by both EPA and state agencies under the Safe Drinking Water Act of 1974.