City of Abilene Pauses Water Fluoridation Amid Potential Changes Federal Guidelines

In response to potential changes in federal regulatory guidelines, the City of Abilene will temporarily suspend the fluoridation of its public water supply. This precautionary step follows a recent California federal court ruling that may result in changes to the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) recommendations regarding fluoride levels in drinking water.

Currently, the City of Abilene follows federal standards and the American Dental Association's recommendation of maintaining fluoride levels at 0.7 parts per million, a practice aimed at improving public dental health.

With potential changes to EPA regulations, such as potential adjustments to fluoride levels or the possible introduction of warning labels, the City is pausing fluoridation to ensure compliance with any new health and safety guidelines that may emerge. This temporary suspension is being implemented out of an abundance of caution to safeguard public health.

The Abilene City Council will discuss the future of water fluoridation at its regular meeting at 8:30 a.m. on Thursday, where further direction is expected. The Council meets in its Chambers on the second floor of Abilene City Hall, 555 Walnut Street.

The City of Abilene remains committed to delivering safe and high-quality drinking water and will closely monitor any updates to federal regulations.

Mayor Weldon Hurt and City Manager Robert Hanna discussed these changes over the weekend and agreed a temporary suspension would do no harm and provide an opportunity for the City Council to provide further direction in light of recent court rulings regarding fluoride.