Clearwater deliberates fluoride removal after health risks highlighted by federal court ruling

Concerns over water fluoridation took center stage at the Clearwater City Council work session on February 3, 2025, as a council member urged a reevaluation of the practice. Citing recent research and a federal court ruling from September 2024 linking fluoride in drinking water to reduced IQ in children, the member argued that the potential risks outweigh the benefits.

The discussion highlighted modern studies indicating neurotoxic effects and endocrine disruptions associated with fluoride, particularly affecting vulnerable populations such as pregnant women, infants, and individuals with kidney disease. The council member pointed out that many municipalities, including Collier County and Traverse City, have already discontinued fluoridation, and noted that the Florida Surgeon General has advised against adding fluoride to drinking water.

Currently, Clearwater spends over $50,000 annually on fluoride treatment across its three water facilities, which serve approximately 93,600 residents. The council member emphasized that fluoride is recognized as a drug by the FDA, yet there is no FDA approval for its addition to water supplies, framing the practice as a forced medical treatment on the public.

The conversation is set to continue, with the council member planning to present further information and research at the next meeting. The push for change reflects a growing trend in public health discussions, advocating for cleaner and healthier drinking water options.