Water utility announces it's ditching fluoride—then reveals it did so years ago

March 31, 2026

TL;DR

Central Alabama Water (CAW) announced the discontinuation of fluoride in city water, citing aging equipment and maintenance costs.
CAW later revealed that fluoride had actually been removed from three water treatment plants years ago, with no public notification.
Birmingham Mayor Randall Woodfin criticized CAW's lack of transparency and potential violation of state law requiring 90-day notice for such changes.
The City of Birmingham has filed a lawsuit against CAW, seeking to resume fluoridation due to concerns about residents' dental health.
Public health organizations like the American Dental Association and American Academy of Pediatrics recommend water fluoridation for preventing tooth decay.

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