MONROE, La. (KNOE) – A bill filed in the Louisiana Legislature could change what’s in many communities’ drinking water across the state.
Louisiana Senate Bill 4 would repeal the state requirement that public water systems with more than 5,000 service connections add fluoride. The proposal, introduced by Senator Mike Fesi, would instead allow communities to decide through a local election whether fluoride should be added to their water supply.
Supporters of the bill say the change would give local residents more control over what goes into their drinking water. But dental health professionals warn the move could reduce access to a long-standing tool used to prevent tooth decay.
For decades, public health officials have recommended adding small amounts of fluoride to drinking water to help strengthen tooth enamel and reduce cavities. Monroe orthodontist Dr. Chris Robertson said the amount used in public water systems is very small but can make a noticeable difference in dental health.
“The amount of fluoride and what’s recommended, it is 0.07 parts per million into the water,” Robertson said. “The equivalent to that would be about three drops of fluoride into a 55-gallon drum of water. It is a very small amount but when taken at the right dosage it is very beneficial especially for the children of our area.”
Robertson said fluoride works by strengthening teeth and making them more resistant to decay. However, he noted that like many substances, too much fluoride can cause issues.
“Too much of fluoride can give you what is called mottled enamel where you get some dark stains and some white little areas.”
According to the CareQuest Institute for Oral Health, about 30% of adults in Louisiana do not have dental insurance, and only 45% of children on Medicaid in the state see a dentist. Dental health advocates say fluoridated water can help prevent cavities, particularly for families who may not have regular access to dental care.
Robertson said access to fluoridated water is already limited in some parts of the state.
“As of right now Louisiana has about 40% of its population has the access to fluoridated water,” Robertson said. “We’re hoping to see an upturn in that and hopefully that this bill does not pass.”
If approved, the bill would remove Louisiana’s statewide fluoridation mandate and shift the decision to local communities. Residents would need to gather signatures from at least 15% of registered voters before holding a local election to approve fluoridation.
If lawmakers pass the measure, the changes would take effect January 1, 2027.
Original article online at: https://www.knoe.com/2026/03/13/proposed-bill-could-change-fluoridation-requirements-louisiana-drinking-water/