SALT LAKE CITY (ABC4) — The Governor’s signature is now all that stands between a ban on water fluoridation from becoming law in the State of Utah.
Fluoridation, or water fluoridation, is the action of raising naturally occurring levels of fluoride in water systems to aid in oral health of those who drink it. The Centers for Disease Control recommends a level of 0.7 milligrams per liter, which is equivalent of three drops within a 55-gallon barrel of water. Though small amounts are beneficial for oral health, an excess of fluoride can cause fluorosis, as well as other digestive related problems.
H.B. 81 — or Fluoride Amendments — is a bill that would prohibit fluoridation to public water systems. It would also allow pharmacists to prescribed fluoride tablets to those needing fluoride as an alternative delivery method for those wishing to take fluoride.
The bill has made its way through both chambers of Utah’s Legislature. Passing on Friday in a mixed partisan vote of 18-8-3 vote, with members of both parties voting for and against the measure.
Debate in the legislature didn’t last long. A brief presentation was given by the bill’s sponsor, Sen. Kirk Cullimore (R-Utah County), which was followed by a few comments and concerns from Senators. Concerns centered on disturbing local control when it came to adding fluoride to their water systems, as two counties in Utah have voted to add fluoride to their water systems.
“I don’t really have a dog in the fight whether we fluoridate our water or not,” Sen. Todd Weiler (R-Davis County) told colleagues during debate. “But I am not sure I’m comfortable with the legislature telling [local counties] that their local authorities can’t do what their residents have voted to do.”
Sen. Lincoln Fillmore (R-Salt Lake County) rose in favor of the bill, saying that there is a difference between fluoride added into water systems versus naturally occurring fluoride, and that adding fluoride to “a universal good” was wrong for those who didn’t choose to have fluoride. He also brought up cost concerns, saying most fluoride is wasted on lawns and bathrooms.
If signed by the Governor, the bill would require all current water systems to cease fluoridation in all public water systems by May 7, 2025. As of 2024, Utah has 484 public water systems, 66 of which add fluoride to their water systems. Those systems serve roughly 1.6 million people across several counties in Utah.
It is currently unclear if the Governor will sign H.B. 81 into law. ABC4.com has reached out to the Governor’s office for a comment and has not yet received a response.
