Birmingham Mayor Randall Woodfin is pushing back against a decision to remove fluoride from local drinking water.
Central Alabama Water announced Friday, March 20, that it would stop adding fluoride to its water supply, a practice widely used to help prevent tooth decay. The decision has sparked public health concerns from local leaders, including Woodfin, who addressed the issue in a social media post.
“Fluoride helps prevent tooth decay. It especially helps children, working families, and seniors who don’t have the luxury of perfect access to dental care. The American Dental Association has recommended it for decades,” Woodfin said in a Facebook post. “This is basic public health.”
Woodfin criticized the reasoning behind the decision, saying utility officials cited aging equipment and budget concerns.
“Their excuse? The equipment is too old and it costs too much to replace,” he said. “But the $4 million for fluoride equipment is where they draw the line? That tells you everything about their priorities.”
Fluoride has been added to public drinking water supplies across the U.S. for more than eight decades as a way to reduce tooth decay and improve dental health. The American Dental Association has long supported the practice as a safe and effective public health measure.
Woodfin also raised concerns about transparency, saying the decision was made without formal approval or public input.
“No board approval. No public input. No public hearing,” he said.
The mayor tied the decision to a broader criticism of the water system, which was taken over by the state of Alabama. He pointed to recent changes, including 135 layoffs, customer billing issues and infrastructure concerns.
“They promised transparency. They promised better service. They promised accountability,” Woodfin said.
It is unclear whether the Central Alabama Water fluoride removal has already taken place and if the company will revisit the decision or consider public input. The change raises questions about the potential impact on long-term dental health for Birmingham area residents.
Original article online at: https://www.al.com/news/birmingham/2026/03/birmingham-mayor-calls-out-water-utility-this-tells-you-everything-about-their-priorities.html