ABC 33/40’s I-Team set out to see what customers across central Alabama are actually getting from their tap water.
Using over-the-counter fluoride test kits available to the public, ABC 33/40’s I-Team conducted independent testing, collecting water samples from multiple locations across the system.
To keep the process transparent, the I-Team recorded everything from the moment the water was drawn, to the test strips going in, and the results developing in real time.
These tests are not lab-certified and are not intended to determine exact fluoride levels. However, they can provide a snapshot of whether fluoride is present and whether levels may vary from one area to another.
ABC 33/40’s I-Team selected five different locations across Central Alabama Water’s service area: Hoover, Center Point, St. Clair County, and two locations in the city of Birmingham, including areas near treatment plant sites.
At the first stop in Hoover, at the ABC 33/40 station, the I-Team followed the test instructions: dipping a strip into a water sample for two seconds and waiting 30 seconds for results.
The strip’s color chart indicates red represents no fluoride, while deep orange reflects the EPA’s maximum limit.
“Based on what we’re seeing, this appears close to the ‘no fluoride’ range on the test strip,” the I-Team’s Valerie Bell observed. “It doesn’t appear to match the other color ranges on the test strip [referring to levels over the EPA limit based on the test strip color guide].”
Each sample was tested twice to verify consistency.
“This result appears closer to the red range on the test strip,” the reporter added during a second test at the Hoover location.
The I-Team then traveled northeast into Jefferson County to Center Point.
After repeating the same testing process, the results again appeared red. A second test produced similar results.
The team then took the testing into St. Clair County.
While following the same steps, the results appeared slightly different.
“This result appears closer to the red range, but not exactly — suggesting there may be some variation,” Bell said.
A second test in the same area also showed a slight difference.
“It doesn’t appear to be fully in the red range,” Bell noted.
Next, the I-Team traveled to Birmingham’s Southside.
There, the test results did not clearly match either the red or deep orange ranges, looking to be somewhere in-between.
In downtown Birmingham, the I-Team collected water from a public fountain at a local park.
Results there also appeared mixed. The result appears to fall between the color ranges on the test strip.
A second test showed similar findings.
Following the testing, ABC 33/40’s I-Team asked Central Alabama Water several questions, including which treatment plants are actively fluoridating, which are not, the timeline to fully restore fluoridation capability across all plants, and whether customers in different parts of the system may receive varying fluoride levels depending on their water source.
A spokesperson for Central Alabama Water declined to answer those questions, stating the utility does not comment on pending litigation.
When ABC 33/40’s I-Team clarified that the questions were not about litigation but instead focused on operational procedures, the spokesperson responded again:
“Those questions relate to a matter that is subject to pending litigation.”
The latest on the litigation:
Central Alabama Water remains involved in ongoing legal proceedings tied to its water system operations, though specific details connected to fluoridation practices have not been publicly addressed by the utility in response to the I-Team’s questions.
At a Thursday hearing, a judge initially denied Birmingham’s request for a permanent injunction requiring long-term fluoridation. After extended arguments, he agreed to leave the record open for 10 days so both sides can submit additional filings before a final order. The judge acknowledged that Central Alabama Water violated state law when fluoride was first removed on March 20, but is now in compliance after providing proper notice. Court filings show the utility submitted notice on March 12, triggering a 90-day period under Alabama law, which would make a permanent change possible around mid-June.
SEEE RELATED: Judge Issues Ruling on Central Alabama Water Fluoride Case, Then Reopens Record
State law requires fluoridation to remain in place during that notice period, though the judge noted equipment issues could prevent immediate restoration. Testimony indicates the Shades Mountain plant’s fluoridation system is not fully functional, with repairs potentially taking up to 315 days — the utility says these issues caused fluoride levels to drop to zero.
The judge also questioned the court’s authority over long-term fluoridation policy, suggesting decisions may ultimately rest with lawmakers. Birmingham officials argued that removing fluoride could have long-term public health effects. The case remains active, with additional arguments expected over the next 10 days [from Thursday] before a final ruling.
ABC 33/40’s I-Team will continue to follow developments and seek answers regarding fluoridation practices and transparency across the system.
Original article online at: https://abc3340.com/news/abc-3340-news-iteam/central-alabama-water-fluoride-test-kit-treatment-plants-levels-color-range-limits-observations-litigation-birmingham-water-customers