Another Alabama city just stopped adding fluoride to its water

The Alabaster Water Department has officially joined the growing list of Alabama municipalities opting to cease the addition of fluoride to their public water supplies.

In an announcement posted to Facebook on June 8, officials stated that the decision follows a comprehensive review of chemical handling procedures, employee safety protocols, equipment maintenance, and the long-term infrastructure needs required to sustain the fluoridation system.

Maintaining Water Standards

According to the department, the shift will not compromise the integrity of the local water supply. The department emphasized that fluoride is not part of the disinfection or treatment process and that the move will have no negative impact on overall water safety or quality. Leadership noted that regulatory compliance remains the city’s top priority, and residents seeking fluoride for dental health are encouraged to consult their personal healthcare providers.

While the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention notes that some communities add fluoride to help prevent tooth decay, state mandates do not require its inclusion in public water, leaving the final choice to local utilities. Financial incentives are also a factor; according to reports from ABC 33/40, the change is expected to save the department between $50,000 and $100,000 annually, which may help stabilize future water rates.

A Growing Trend in Alabama

Alabaster’s pivot comes on the heels of a similar move by Central Alabama Water, the state’s largest utility. Serving approximately 770,000 residents, the utility made the decision in March citing aging equipment and significant budget and staffing constraints. That move sparked intense debate, including a legal challenge from the city of Birmingham, though an order to restore fluoridation was ultimately lifted in April.

Community Response

Reactions to Alabaster’s decision have been varied. Some residents, such as geologist and water operator Wade Farley, praised the move as a logical step, while others like Becky Langley Willis cited personal experiences with fluoride exposure as a reason for support. Conversely, critics like Viviann Casey expressed frustration over the lack of public input regarding the impact on children's dental health. Other residents, such as Nancy Clack Rockett and Gabrielle Caucutt, pointed to potential rate savings and personal preferences for filtered water as reasons to support the change.

205focus.com reached out to the Alabaster Water Department for further comment but did not receive a response by the time of publication.