Birmingham Water Switches Off Fluoride, Residents Upset

The city of Birmingham found out that its tap water had stopped containing fluoride, a fact that was actually decided years earlier without the public’s knowledge. Some treatment plants began removing fluoride as early as 2023, and a third stopped in March 2024. The utility company, Central Alabama Water, says it never notified residents because the changes were made under different leadership and a former name. The announcement came shortly after the company revealed it would cease fluoridation entirely, citing a $3. 7 million repair bill for old equipment. Fluoride has long been added to water supplies across the United States to reduce tooth decay, especially in children. The Centers for Disease Control reports that about 72 % of people who rely on public water receive fluoridated supplies.Health experts warn that eliminating fluoride can raise cavity rates, particularly among young kids. A dentist from the University of Illinois Chicago explained that while fluoride toothpaste helps prevent decay, removing it from drinking water could still increase dental problems. Some political figures have questioned fluoride’s safety, but most scientists find the evidence unconvincing. Several states are moving away from water fluoridation. Utah banned it, Florida followed suit, and at least 21 states have introduced similar measures. Birmingham residents are upset over how the change was handled. The mayor criticized the lack of transparency, saying that citizens deserve honest communication about their water. A former attorney for the previous water board claimed that people responsible for letting fluoride systems deteriorate are now leading the current utility. Central Alabama Water said it has notified state health and environmental agencies about the stoppage and promises to improve transparency.