- Bay County, Florida will stop adding fluoride to its water supply in compliance with a new state law.
- The change is expected to save the county about $100,000 annually.
- Residents with questions can contact the Bay County Utilities Department.
PANAMA CITY — A substance will soon no longer be added to the local water supply.
According to a May 7 press release from Bay County government, fluoride will soon no longer be added to the county’s water supply. This comes in the wake of a decision from the Florida Legislature prohibiting substances that are not “water quality additives” from being added to municipal water systems.
“This change is a simple adjustment for us,” Sean Lathrop, water division superintendent for Bay County, said in the release. “Once the chemical is gone, fluoride will no longer enter the system. We’ll continue to maintain the highest water quality standards, as always.”
The release notes it will take about about a month for the change to take effect. This is anticipated to save Bay County about $100,000 a year.
“Fluoride is added in the form of a liquid chemical known as hydrofluosilicic acid,” the release reads. “Once removed from the water treatment process, the county’s entire distribution system will be fluoride-free in about 30 days.”
Those with questions about this process can call the Bay County Utilities Department at 850 248-5010.
Original article online at: https://www.newsherald.com/story/news/local/2025/05/08/bay-county-to-stop-adding-fluoride-to-the-public-water-supply/83499313007/