Should there be fluoride in Utah’s water? Proposed bill says no

SALT LAKE CITY — Utah lawmakers plan to debate a bill about fluoride in our water in the upcoming legislative session.

Right now, only two counties in Utah add fluoride to the water: Salt Lake County and Davis County. However, HB 81 would prevent adding fluoride to any public water system, and keep local governments from allowing fluoridation.

Salt Lake County Health Department spokesman Nick Rupp said fluoride has been added to the water in Salt Lake County since 2003. He said it reduces cavities and pain from tooth decay.

“Fluoride stops and can even reverse the tooth decay process,” he said. “It keeps tooth enamel strong and solid.”

Rupp said adding it to a community’s water supply levels the playing field. It allows anyone who drinks water to benefit regardless of ability to pay for dental care.

“We know in communities that don’t fluoridate their water, they see a lot more dental decay and disease particularly in lower-income … families and children,” he said.

Rupp said the Salt Lake County Health Department keeps a close eye on the amount of fluoride in the water to make sure it’s the exact right amount.

According to the CDC, as of 2022, 72.3% of the United States’ population has access to fluoridated water.

Tammy Kikuchi is a reporter and anchor for KSL NewsRadio.

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