Longmont residents urge city to reconsider water fluoridation amid health concerns

The City Council of Longmont, Colorado, convened on March 25, 2025, to address various community concerns, with a significant focus on the ongoing fluoridation of the city’s drinking water. The meeting highlighted a public appeal against the addition of fluoride, a practice that has been in place since 1958.

During the session, a resident presented arguments questioning the safety and necessity of fluoridation. They cited studies indicating that the dental benefits of fluoride are primarily topical rather than systemic, suggesting that ingestion may pose health risks without substantial benefits. The speaker referenced a recent federal court ruling in California that deemed fluoridation chemicals as posing an unreasonable health risk, urging the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to revise its recommendations.

The resident emphasized that many European countries have opted out of fluoridation and pointed to recent legislative changes in Utah, where communities are being required to cease fluoridation practices. They argued that Longmont should consider similar actions to eliminate perceived health risks associated with fluoride, which they described as a neurotoxin.

Following this public comment, the council members engaged in discussions about the implications of fluoridation, weighing public health concerns against established practices. The meeting concluded without immediate decisions on the matter, but it set the stage for further deliberation on the city’s water policies.

Overall, the session underscored a growing debate within the community regarding public health measures and the role of government in regulating substances in drinking water. The council is expected to continue exploring this issue in future meetings, reflecting the community's evolving perspectives on health and safety.