JACKSON, Miss. (WLBT) – Members of the Mississippi Public Service Commission say it could be time to rethink adding synthetic fluoride to the state’s public water systems.
This week, the PSC unanimously passed a resolution urging lawmakers to discontinue the use of the substance in the state’s public drinking water supplies.
The measure comes as water systems across the state are taking steps to discontinue the fluoridation on the local levels.
“Everything that is synthetically added to your water should be reviewed and prudent decisions made so that we can be transparent with the citizens about what’s in their drinking water,” Central District Commissioner De’Keither Stamps said.
Stamps questions whether fluoride is still needed in the drinking water, citing access to toothpaste and better dental care.
He also says that cutting out fluoride could save water systems significant money, which could then be reinvested in infrastructure.
“Back in the 1920s, when people didn’t have as ready access to toothpaste or dental care, that’s one thing. But in 2026, people can choose based on the discretion of their dentist, and their parents on how they’re going to navigate this situation,” he said.
According to the Mississippi State Department of Health, 28 systems are officially pursuing discontinuing the use of fluoride in their water systems.
Locally, those include Brandon, Flowood, Richland, Crystal Springs, and, as of December, the city of Ridgeland.
That month, the mayor and Board of Aldermen approved initiating “Step 1 of the MSDH Fluoridation Discontinuing Process,” which would begin the state-mandated review required for removing it there.
[READ: Ridgeland moving forward with process to end water fluoridation]
Mayor Gene McGee said following the vote that the city hasn’t been adding fluoride for at least three years, largely due to the shortage brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic.
MSDH has a five-step process that water systems must complete before ending fluoridation. The first step is setting up an educational meeting with the agency to discuss the “scientific facts and benefits” of fluoridation.
If an entity wants to continue the process following that meeting, the state requires an initial public notification, followed by a vote of the governing body, and a follow-up notification informing residents of that vote. After that, additional post-reporting is required.
[READ: Ridgeland officials to consider removing fluoride from water]
Lindsay Beckham, chair of the Madison County Chapter of Moms for Liberty, supported Ridgeland’s decision, pointing to previous studies showing the impacts of exposure to fluoride to young children.
Officials with MSDH, meanwhile, were not immediately available for comment on Friday.
However, on its website, the agency touts community water fluoridation as a way to prevent tooth decay and maintain healthy teeth.
Stamps respects the stance of the dental and medical communities but said as a common practice, the state should review the practice when it comes to adding fluoride to public water supplies.
“Because who says you’re getting the appropriate amount? Who says it shouldn’t just be done when you brush your teeth?” he asked. “We’re asking the Legislature to review it and see if it’s a policy that still needs to be in place.”
Stamps says a lawmaker is expected to file a fluoridation bill next week. WLBT will provide details of that bill once it is available.
Original article online at: https://www.wlbt.com/2026/01/17/psc-pushing-lawmakers-discontinue-fluoridation-public-water-supplies/