Water utility announces it's ditching fluoride—then reveals it did so years ago
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The Bottom Line
Birmingham's water utility removed fluoride years ago but didn't tell residents until announcing it in March.
How This Affects You
Residents in Birmingham may have been unknowingly consuming unfluoridated water for years, potentially reducing cavity protection that depends on this public health measure, particularly affecting children whose dental development relies on fluoride exposure.
AI Summary
Central Alabama Water announced March 20 that it had stopped adding fluoride to Birmingham's drinking water, citing aging equipment and maintenance costs. The utility later revealed it had actually discontinued fluoridation years earlier without public notice. CAW justified the undisclosed removal by citing unsubstantiated health concerns and stating residents could obtain fluoride through toothpaste and mouthwash instead. The announcement drew attention to the utility's failure to inform customers of a significant change to their water supply during the extended period when fluoridation had already ceased.
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