Utah To Become First State Prohibiting Fluoride in Water

livewell
February 26, 2025
Noah Bennett

A proposed bill in Utah could make it the first state to ban fluoride in public water systems fully. This can further prevent cities and communities from making their own decisions. A bill sponsor and an organization opposing water fluoridation claim that Utah’s proposal will set a national precedent.

Meanwhile, newly appointed federal health secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. questioned water fluoridation. Experts consider it one of the greatest public health achievements of the past century for safe drinking water.

Details and Statements Into Utah’s Bill

Utah’s bill passed its final legislative challenge on Friday and is now awaiting approval from Gov. Spencer Cox. A representative for Cox did not immediately comment on whether he would sign it. Additionally, it is to be noted that across the country, some cities have already removed fluoride in water.

The summary of the bill further highlights:

“Previous laws related to fluoridated water provisions, including sections about providing fluoridated water upon resident request and under emergency circumstances.”

Recently, a federal judge also directed the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to regulate fluoride in drinking water. He further cited potential risks to children’s cognitive development at high concentrations.

Lawmakers and Practitioner’s Remarks

Some lawmakers also backed the bill. Stephanie Gricius said in a text message to The Associated Press, referencing a fluoride pill:

“I don’t dispute that there can be positive benefits from fluoride, which is why the bill includes deregulation of prescription. This is not anti-fluoride legislation, it is pro-informed consent and individual choice.”

Lorna Koci, chairperson of Utah Oral Health Coalition, highlighted public water systems with added fluoride cost-effectively prevent tooth decay. She further stated:

“I think the anti-fluoride people, they’re latching onto Kennedy’s opportunity with his beliefs and using that now as a way to kind of get in the door to stop water fluoridation.”

Further Insights

Public health experts highlighted 484 Utah water systems that submitted data to the CDC in 2024, only 66 included fluoride. The largest system is in Salt Lake City.

Additionally, in 2023, residents of Brigham City rejected a proposal to eliminate fluoride from the public water supply. If approved by the governor, the bill would mandate water systems to stop fluoridating public water by May 7, 2025.

In The End

Utah’s water systems serve roughly 1.6 million people across several counties. Currently, it is unclear if the governor would sign the bill into law. No response has been received for fluoride in water supplies.

Several other states are actively considering fluoride bans through legislation. Lawmakers in Montana and Florida plan to review anti-fluoride bills in their upcoming legislative sessions. Meanwhile, legislative committees in New Hampshire, North Dakota, and Arkansas have recently rejected similar proposals to prohibit fluoridation.