Utah set to become first state to ban fluoride in public water systems

• Utah is set to become the first state to ban fluoride in public water systems. A bill removing local decision-making on fluoridation has been passed by the state’s legislature and awaits Republican Gov. Spencer Cox’s approval.
• Supporters argue that the measure promotes individual choice and reduces costs, while opponents say fluoridation is a cost-effective way to prevent tooth decay, especially for lower-income residents.
• Utah ranks 44th in the U.S. for fluoridated water access, with only 40% of residents served by community water systems receiving fluoridation.

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Utah is poised to become the first state in the U.S. to enact a full ban on fluoride in public water systems. The bill would remove the decision-making power on fluoridation from cities and communities, and has passed the state legislature. The only thing left for the bill is approval from Republican Gov. Spencer Cox.

What are health officials saying about fluoride?

The bill comes amid a broader national debate over water fluoridation. Newly appointed federal Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has voiced opposition to the practice, referring to fluoride as “an industrial waste,” and claiming it is linked to cancer, diseases and other disorders.

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Meanwhile, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) considers fluoridation one of the most significant public health achievements of the 20th century. According to the CDC, fluoride strengthens teeth and helps reduce cavities by restoring minerals lost during daily wear.

How is Utah’s potential fluoride ban being received?

Supporters of the bill argue that while fluoride offers some benefits, the cost of fluoridation is too high. They also emphasize that the measure is not anti-fluoride but rather an effort to promote informed consent and individual choice.

Opponents, including public health advocates, argue that fluoridation is the most cost-effective method of preventing tooth decay on a large scale. They note that for some residents, particularly those with lower incomes, fluoridated water is the only form of preventive dental care available.

How much does fluoridation cost?

The CDC estimates that fluoridation costs an average of 31 cents per person annually in communities with populations over 50,000. In Salt Lake City, which is home to around 212,570 residents, the annual cost is about $66,000.

However, costs are higher for smaller communities, with populations under 10,000 paying up to $2.12 per person annually. For Park City, which has about 8,254 residents, the yearly cost is nearly $17,500.

How does Utah’s fluoride use compare to other states?

In 2022, CDC data ranked Utah 44th in the nation for the percentage of residents receiving fluoridated water. Approximately 40% of Utah residents served by community water systems have access to fluoridated water. In 2024, out of 484 Utah water systems reporting data to the CDC, only 66 added fluoride to their water.

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What happens next?

Currently, nearly two-thirds of the U.S. population consumes fluoridated water. Across the country, some cities have opted to remove this fluoride, with other municipalities considering similar measures.