By SPEAKIN’ OUT NEWS
MONTGOMERY, Ala. — A major shift in how drinking water is treated in Central Alabama is raising questions about public health, cost, and community impact.
Central Alabama Water (CAW) announced it will stop adding fluoride to its drinking water, a move affecting approximately 770,000 residents across Jefferson, Shelby, St. Clair, Blount and Walker counties.
Utility leaders say the decision is based on operational needs — not politics.
CEO Jeffrey F. Thompson cited safety concerns for employees handling chemicals, aging infrastructure, and rising costs, including a $3.7 million upgrade to fluoridation equipment and about $250,000 annually for maintenance and chemicals.
“This change allows us to focus resources on delivering safe, reliable water,” Thompson said.
Still, the decision comes amid growing national debate over fluoride, fueled in part by criticism from federal officials and broader public skepticism.
CAW said it considered ongoing discussions about long-term health impacts but is not taking a position on medical claims, instead emphasizing consumer choice moving forward.
The move, however, is drawing strong pushback from local leaders.
State Rep. Patrick Sellers called fluoridation “one of the most effective and equitable public health measures,” especially for families with limited access to dental care.
Birmingham Mayor Randall Woodfin echoed those concerns, calling fluoride a “basic public health tool” that helps prevent tooth decay, particularly for children and underserved communities.
For many residents, the decision highlights a larger question — how to balance cost, infrastructure, and public health in a growing region.
As the change takes effect, health experts say the conversation around fluoride — and who should decide its use — is far from over.