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Council rejects immediate removal of fluoride from city water after split vote
Summary
A council motion to remove fluoride from the city’s water supply failed on a 3–2 vote after hours of testimony from residents, dentists and public-health advocates. Supporters called the practice mass medication without consent; opponents cited public-health organizations and protections for at-risk children.
The Clearwater City Council considered a motion on April 3 to end the city-funded addition of fluoride to the municipal water supply that serves a majority of Clearwater customers. After about two hours of public testimony and a long council exchange, the motion to remove fluoride failed by council vote (motion did not pass).
Councilmember Ryan Cotton, who introduced the proposal, described fluoride in drinking water as "mass medication without consent," saying the city can remove the additive for residents it controls and that those who…
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