Fluoride is an important trace element for dental health and bone development in children. In fluoride-deficient patients, there is an increase in the prevalence of dental caries. The present study was undertaken to determine the fluoride level in the city water sources of Malatya and, based on the results, to support the preventive measures taken by the Ministry of Health in that city. For fluoride assessments, water samples were collected in trace element-free polyvinyl-capped tubes from eight different city water stations at varying distances from the town center, from two regional water springs and from one well in use by the local inhabitant. A Jenvay 3040 model ionmeter, its E94 model fluoride-selecting electrode and a J93 Ag/AgCI reference electrode was used in fluoride assaying by potentiometric method. The fluoride level in the city water system was 0.3 mg/L, and in local springs and well water system within a range of 0.15-0.35 mg/L. According to the Institute of Turkish Standards, the acceptable water fluoride level at 18.4 °C (the mean water temperature for Malatya in April 1998) should be 0.7 mg/L. When the results of the present study and the dental health status of children in Malatya were taken into consideration, it was concluded that fluoride supplementation is urgently needed for children living in Malatya.