The Harnett County Board of Commissioners has tabled a final decision on whether to keep fluoride in the county’s drinking water.
During a meeting Tuesday morning, the board decided to table the issue until more research can be gathered.
Last week, the Harnett County Board of Health recommended keeping fluoride in the water. Members of the board spent 20 minutes watching a presentation on the benefits of water fluoridation, with members emphasizing that fluoride levels are closely monitored.
Harnett County residents aren’t the only people who get their water from the county. Fuquay-Varina residents get their water from Harnett County, Johnston County and Raleigh.
In Holly Springs, all of its water comes from Harnett County.
“I would urge you to consider how any changes to your regional water system could impact your bulk water customers, who also have regional water connections,” said Sean Mayefskie, mayor of Holly Springs.
According to guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), “community water fluoridation benefits all members of a community by preventing cavities, reducing oral health disparities and saving money for everyone.”
However, debates about fluoride’s effectiveness have intensified on the federal level.
Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. earlier in April shared plans to tell the CDC to stop recommending fluoridation in communities nationwide.
“There is no systemic advantage, it’s zero systemic advantage,” Kennedy said. “The only advantage comes from topical application.”
Kennedy cannot order communities to stop fluoridation, but he can direct the CDC to stop recommending it and work with the EPA to change the allowed amount.
Original article online at: https://www.wral.com/lifestyle/health/harnett-county-commissioners-fluoride-decision-april-2025/