The Abilene City Council recently revoked the temporary ordinance suspending fluoridation and passed the first reading of permanent fluoridation termination.
The action was passed at the Dec. 19 regular meeting as part of the consent agenda, which received an unanimous vote.
According to city documents, the discontinuation of fluoridation of the city of Abilene’s public water supply will save approximately $73,000 in fiscal year 2025.
As stated in the ordinance, the city’s approval of termination does not determine or conclude that fluoridation of water presents a risk of injury but rather is being done as a preventative measure.
The issue of added fluoride in city water was brought to the city’s attention after a federal court in California found that community water fluoridation at 0.7 milligrams per liter presents an unreasonable risk of injury to public health. The court ordered the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to take regulatory action.
In the federal case documents, in 1975 the EPA recommended adding fluoride to water for dental health benefits. Adverse effects were soon associated with the recommended fluoride concentration in the early 1980s, and levels were lowered in 2006.
According to court documents, scientific evidence and research allege fluoride exposure can affect the cognitive capacity of children during pregnancy and childhood.
Following the California court’s ruling, the American Dental Association released a statement expressing support for water fluoridation.
“The district court ruling against the Environmental Protection Agency provides no scientific basis for the ADA to change its endorsement of community water fluoridation as safe and beneficial to oral health,” the statement said.
The ADA noted in its statement that the ruling “‘does not conclude with any certainty that fluoridated water is injurious to public health,’ as stated by District Court Judge Edward Chen.”
On Sept. 30, the city of Abilene temporarily discontinued fluoridation to protect the public health and safety of city water consumers, according to city documents.
More:City of Abilene halts water fluoridation
Throughout October and November, the council discussed next steps on the temporary suspension and expressed agreement to permanently terminate fluoridation.
On Nov. 7, the city council approved temporary suspension of the city ordinance — which passed by voters in 2000 — permitting fluoridation of the water supply.
Historically, in 1964 an ordinance was put in place to prohibit fluoridation but was reversed by Abilene voters in 2000 during the November local election.
All City Council members expressed support in the permanent suspension during discussion at previous council meetings.
Members said that since the temporary suspension in September they had received numerous emails and communications in support of ending fluoridation.
Even though the added fluoride will be suspended following the ordinance’s second reading, City Manager Robert Hanna mentioned that there will still be a “very low level of natural fluoride” due to the region’s water.
Original article online at: https://www.reporternews.com/story/news/local/2024/12/31/city-of-abilene-council-work-to-permanently-ban-fluoridation/77318285007/