Frankfort, KY — A contentious debate over the presence of fluoride in Kentucky’s tap water has taken center stage in the state legislature, with House Republicans advancing a bill that could remove fluoride from water supplies across the state.
House Bill 16, introduced by Rep. Mark Hart (R-Falmouth), seeks to give local water districts the option to stop adding fluoride to drinking water. The bill aims to end what its sponsors describe as an unfunded state mandate that requires fluoride to be added after water is treated and cleaned.
For over 70 years, fluoride has been a common component in the state’s water systems, backed by dental and medical experts who argue that it helps strengthen teeth and prevent cavities. However, in recent years, fluoride has come under scrutiny. Some studies have raised concerns about the potential health risks, including possible links to lower IQs in children and adverse effects on bone health.
“Fluoride in water is an unfounded state mandate and forced medication,” said Rep. William Lawrence (R-Maysville), a co-sponsor of the bill. “I don’t allow my children to drink tap water. Their teeth are fine.”
HB 16 does not propose an outright ban on fluoride. Instead, it would shift the decision to local water companies, allowing them to choose whether to continue adding fluoride to their water. The bill cleared the House on Wednesday with a 68-29 vote and will now move to the Senate for further consideration.
Despite the growing controversy, many health professionals continue to support fluoride’s inclusion in water systems. Kelley Dearing Smith, vice president of communications and marketing for Louisville Water, emphasized that the utility would likely recommend continuing water fluoridation, citing the endorsement of the dental and medical communities.
“We’re going to use the science. We’re going to use the experts, and right now, based on what we know today, it’s likely that we would tell them to continue to fluoridate the drinking water,” Smith said.
The ongoing debate is a reflection of broader national discussions on the subject. Earlier this week, Utah lawmakers passed a bill that would ban fluoride in public drinking water, a move that, if signed by Gov. Spencer Cox, would make Utah the first state to implement a full ban. Unlike Kentucky’s proposal, Utah’s bill does not allow localities to decide the matter for themselves.
Critics of the bill argue that removing fluoride from drinking water would exacerbate Kentucky’s already significant oral health challenges. The state ranks among the worst in the nation for dental health, with nearly 45% of adults over 65 having lost at least six teeth due to decay or gum disease. According to Dr. Stephanie Poynter, a dentist with Family Health Centers in Louisville, eliminating fluoride could worsen these conditions.
“It’s a huge public health problem. Communities will suffer,” Dr. Poynter said. “Without access to routine dental care, and then you don’t have fluoride, you’re going to have more cavities.”
Supporters of the bill, however, argue that fluoridation is not a one-size-fits-all solution and should be a local decision. Rep. Mary Lou Marzian (D-Louisville), while expressing concern over the potential consequences of removing fluoride, pointed to the financial implications. If fluoride were to be removed, she said it could lead to increased costs for Medicaid and taxpayers, with some estimates reaching $1.9 million.
In Kentucky, the issue of fluoride in tap water may ultimately come down to a matter of local choice. If the bill passes the Senate, it would move to the desk of Gov. Andy Beshear for consideration. Given the Republican majorities in both chambers, a veto override by the legislature could be a real possibility.
As the debate continues, residents across the state are left to consider the long-term implications of removing fluoride from their drinking water, a mineral that has been part of the public water supply for decades. The conversation, however, is far from over, and it’s clear that the issue of fluoride in water will remain a topic of discussion for lawmakers and health professionals alike.
