Earlier this summer, the Post asked our readers what issues you wanted to hear candidates running for WaterOne Board to address leading up to the Nov. 4 election.
Based on that feedback, we developed a three-item questionnaire centering the issues most important to Johnson County residents.
Each day this week, we’re publishing the candidates’ responses to one question.
Today, we’re publishing candidates’ responses to the following question:
Fluoridation: WaterOne has noted an uptick in residents asking or expressing concerns about fluoridation. Johnson County’s water supply has been treated with fluoride for decades, and WaterOne says the amounts of the chemical used in local water are considered safe and help prevent tooth decay. How would you respond to such anti-fluoridation concerns if elected to the board?
Below are the answers the Post received from candidates on this issue:
Member 4
Jennifer Gunby
I believe decisions about our drinking water should always be guided by sound science.
Community water fluoridation is supported by extensive research from public health organizations, including the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the American Dental Association (ADA), and the World Health Organization (WHO). The CDC named it one of the greatest public health achievements of the 20th century, recognizing its role in dramatically reducing tooth decay across all age groups. The ADA also calls it the single most effective public health measure to prevent cavities.
So I support the addition of fluoride, which has been shown through decades of research to be both safe and beneficial for public health. I will continue to advocate for WaterOne to meet or exceed all standards set by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE).
I understand that some customers have questions about fluoride, and I encourage those conversations. Transparency and public trust are essential. The very small amount added by WaterOne has consistently been proven safe and effective through rigorous, peer-reviewed research. WaterOne’s staff and Board should continue to monitor scientific findings and adjust as needed to ensure our practices reflect the most current, evidence-based information.
Ultimately, my goal is to ensure that WaterOne continues providing drinking water that is safe, reliable, and affordable for everyone in our community.
Original article online at: https://johnsoncountypost.com/2025/10/21/waterone-board-candidates-fluoridation-271779/