Rutland, VT – Voters in Rutland will decide on Town Meeting Day whether fluoride should continue to be added to the city’s water supply.

Rutland has fluoridated its water for the past four decades, but this could be a year of change with hundreds voicing their opposition. The issue was last on Rutland’s ballot in 2016.

Dentists and public health workers have previously voiced support for water fluoridation. They say having fluoride in the water helps prevent tooth decay. Opponents in the Rutland community say it should be a personal choice. Rutland is one of 42 towns or cities in the Green Mountain State with a fluoridated water supply. It’s added into the water by public works employees.

The Vermont Health Department supports the effort. Robin Miller, Oral Health Program Director for the department, said, “The CDC really promotes, strongly promotes, community water fluoridation as an important benefit to prevent dental decay, which is a serious public health problem.”

Rutland resident Jack Crowther opposes fluoridation. He has lived in Rutland for 56 years and voiced his concerns for the last nine years. He said, “I believe it’s unethical, unsafe, and ineffective.” He has helped collect over 560 signatures from those who share his viewpoint.

Crowther says it is lack of choice that’s the biggest problem. He says people should get to choose what goes in their water. Officials say the levels are closely monitored, and there are many oral benefits as many people do not use or have dental access. Miller says the water is tested every day, which eventually gets sent to the CDC.

In 2015, the measure was on Bennington’s Town Meeting Day ballot, and voters declined the option. Last year, the town of Enosburg Falls approved it.

Original article online at: https://www.mychamplainvalley.com/news/vermont/rutland-voters-to-decide-on-future-of-fluoride-in-water/

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