Utah has become the first state in the nation to ban the addition of fluoride to public drinking water, following the signing of legislation by Governor Spencer Cox on March 27, 2025. The law, which takes effect on May 7, prohibits cities and communities from adding fluoride to their water systems, a move that has sparked concern among residents and health professionals.
Out of the 484 water systems in Utah that reported data in 2024, only 66 were fluoridated, with Salt Lake City being the largest among them. This lack of readily available information has made it challenging for residents to determine whether or not their communities will change or if fluoride was already prohibited.
The decision has drawn comparisons to Portland, Oregon, one of the largest U.S. cities without fluoridated water. Portland voters have rejected fluoridation measures multiple times since 1956, most recently in 2013, citing concerns over health risks and government overreach. Similarly, Utah lawmakers have framed the ban as an issue of personal choice. The American Dental Association has criticized the legislation, stating that fluoride in drinking water reduces cavities by 25% across all age groups.