Fluoride FAQs
Central Alabama Water is no longer adding fluoride to its drinking water.
Below are frequently asked questions (FAQs) about fluoride and drinking water.
1. What has changed about fluoride in Central Alabama Water’s drinking water?
Central Alabama Water (CAW) no longer adds fluoride at its water treatment plants. This affects only the additional fluoride CAW has historically added for dental health purposes; it does not change any of CAW’s other water treatment processes or regulatory obligations. CAW is committed to producing high-quality drinking water for our customers; our chemists and licensed operators continually test water to ensure that it meets or exceeds all U.S. EPA and Alabama Department of Environmental Management (ADEM) regulatory standards.
2. Why did CAW discontinue adding fluoride?
CAW evaluated several factors, including employee safety, aging fluoridation equipment, and financial impacts. The fluoridation systems at CAW’s plants were near the end of their useful life and would require large capital investments to maintain. CAW also considered that fluoridation is not required by EPA or ADEM. CAW also considered ongoing public and scientific discussion about potential health impacts from ingesting fluoride over a lifetime, particularly for sensitive groups, and recognized that many customers now receive significant fluoride from toothpaste and other topical products like mouthwash.
3. Does this mean there will be no fluoride at all in my tap water?
No. Fluoride occurs naturally in CAW’s surface water sources at varying low levels (approximately 0.1 mg/L). CAW will continue to monitor and report water quality as required by state and federal regulations, which includes naturally occurring fluoride.
4. What is the difference between fluoride in drinking water and fluoride in toothpaste?
Community water fluoridation involves fluoride that is ingested as part of drinking water (systemic exposure). Topical fluoride, such as the fluoride in toothpaste and many mouthwashes, works mainly on the surface of teeth through direct contact; these products are designed to be rinsed out of the mouth and are not to be ingested.
5. How long have communities been adding fluoride to drinking water?
Many cities in the United States began increasing fluoride levels in public drinking water in the mid‑1940s to help reduce tooth decay. In the 1950s, national dental and public health organizations endorsed community water fluoridation, and federal health agencies later issued technical guidance documents such as the 1963 Manual of Water Fluoridation Practice to support engineering and operations.
6. How long has fluoride toothpaste been available?
Fluoride‑containing toothpastes were introduced on a large scale in the 1950s, and nationally marketed fluoride toothpastes quickly became widely used and recognized by dental organizations. Since then, fluoride toothpaste has become extremely common in both adult and children’s products and is a primary source of topical fluoride exposure for many people.
7. Are there health concerns about fluoride in drinking water?
Research over many years has examined both the dental benefits and possible health risks of ingesting fluoride in drinking water. Some people and organizations have raised concerns about long‑term exposure for certain groups, such as young infants or people who may already get fluoride from several sources. CAW does not take a position on these medical questions and does not provide health advice. If you have concerns about fluoride and your family’s health, your dentist, doctor, pediatrician, or another healthcare provider is the best person to help you weigh the potential benefits and risks for your situation.
8. Since CAW is no longer adding fluoride, how can my family get fluoride if our dentist recommends it?
Today, many people receive fluoride through:
- Toothpaste and mouthwash that contain fluoride (topical products available over the counter).
- Fluoride treatments applied directly to teeth in a dental office.
- Fluoride drops, tablets, or other supplements, when prescribed by a healthcare provider for specific patients.
Your dentist, doctor or pediatrician can advise you on whether additional fluoride is appropriate for you or your child and in what form.
9. Has CAW made any recommendations about fluoride and dental health?
No. CAW does not provide medical or dental advice and does not take a position for or against the use of fluoride for individual patients. Decisions about fluoride, including any concerns about possible health effects, should be made between you and your healthcare providers.
10. Are other states or communities making similar changes?
Yes. In recent years, some states have adopted laws that limit or prohibit the addition of fluoride to public drinking water. At the same time, federal agencies, courts, and individual water utilities have continued to review fluoridation practices under existing laws and regulations. Across the country, some water systems and local governments periodically reevaluate fluoridation in response to regulatory requirements, operational considerations, infrastructure needs, financial impacts, and community priorities.
11. Does this change affect the safety of my drinking water?
No. CAW will continue to treat and monitor drinking water to meet all applicable federal Safe Drinking Water Act standards and Alabama drinking water regulations. The decision to stop adding fluoride does not change CAW’s commitment to provide safe, reliable, and exceptionally high-quality drinking water.
12. Where can I learn more?
Talk with your dentist, pediatrician or family doctor about fluoride and oral health for you and your children.