Utah becomes first U.S. state to ban fluoride in drinking water
Utah Governor Spencer Cox signed legislation on March 27, 2025, that banned the use of fluoride in public drinking water systems.
The fluoride ban was part of House Bill 81 (HB 81), which also allows pharmacists to prescribe fluoride and directs the Division of Professional Licensing to establish guidelines for prescribing fluoride.
The bill, which prohibits adding fluoride to public water systems, will go into effect on May 7, 2025.
According to the Associated Press, Florida, Ohio and South Carolina are considering similar measures. New Hampshire, North Dakota and Tennessee have rejected similar measures, while a bill in Kentucky to make fluoridation optional has stalled in the state senate.
Utah Representative Stephanie Gricius introduced the bill in the state legislature. Gricius has argued that there is research suggesting fluoride could have possible cognitive effects in children.
“This isn’t anti-fluoride legislation, it is pro-informed consent and individual choice," said Gricius in a text message to the Associated Press.
A U.S. Government report conducted in 2024 concluded that, “with moderate confidence,” there is a link between higher levels of fluoride exposure and lower IQ in kids.
The American Dental Association (ADA) assisted the Utah Dental Association and local dentists to urge Governor Cox to veto the bill prior to signing.
“The most common chronic childhood disease is cavities," said Brett Kessler D.D.S., ADA president, in a statement. "We know that when community water fluoridation stops, it’s the children and the most vulnerable of our communities who suffer. We urge legislators and voters across the country not to make Utah’s significant mistake, and, instead, to trust credible data and science which shows that optimally fluoridating community water is safe, effective and helps prevent dental disease.”
