Madison Utilities appears to be moving forward with plans to stop adding fluoride to the city’s water supply after a motion to reconsider failed during a meeting Monday night.
After announcing its plan in March, the board received considerable pushback and support from community members. Those in support of the plan expressed concerns with potential risks to mental and gut health, while those opposed feared removing the chemical would adversely impact residents’ health. The board cited high annual costs, damage to infrastructure, and employee safety as the primary drivers for removing the fluoride.
Board member Connie Spears said she had received several emails about the issue, many asking to reconsider the decision. She made the motion to revote Monday night, but it failed due to a lack of a second, 256 Today reported.
“I then moved to pause the discontinuation until Sept. 30, to allow for the gathering of more data on employee safety, plant renovations pricing, customer input and rate implications,” she told the outlet. “Board Chairman Tatum seconded the motion, but the motion failed in a 3-2 roll call vote.”
The plan is set to take effect June 16.
Fluoride has become a controversial issue nationwide with Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. raising concerns about the chemical and directing the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to stop recommending adding it to water supplies.
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