Longview workshop hears medical, dental experts and residents split over water fluoridation; public hearing set for Feb. 27

Longview held a city council workshop in January 2025 to gather public and expert comment on whether the city should continue adding fluoride to the municipal water supply. Council members received roughly equal time from pro‑fluoridation medical and dental professionals and from opponents; no formal vote or ordinance was taken. The city previously passed Resolution 25‑14 directing staff to hold this workshop and a public hearing on Feb. 27, 2025.

The debate centered on two claims: proponents said community water fluoridation at the locally monitored level of 0.7 milligrams per liter is a safe, low‑cost preventive measure that protects children and low‑income residents from tooth decay; opponents said emerging toxicology studies and recent court filings raise concerns about possible developmental harms and about whether adding fluoride to drinking water is effectively mass medication without individual consent.

Why it matters: speakers representing local clinics, the Cowlitz Family Health Center and pediatric practices told the council that dental care capacity in Cowlitz County is limited and that removing fluoride would likely increase cavities, school absences and emergency dental visits among children. Opponents, including…