Utah’s Water: Now 100% Less Sketchy - Utah Leads the Way on Banning Fluoride in Water - Cleaner Water, Clearer Minds

A Historic Move

Utah has made history as the first state in the U.S. to ban fluoride in public drinking water. On March 27, 2025, Governor Spencer Cox signed House Bill 81 into law, putting an end to a decades-long practice of adding fluoride to water to fight tooth decay. This bold step has sparked big debates about health, freedom, and what’s best for Utah’s residents. No other state has gone this far as to ban flouride all together.

Why Did Utah Do This?

The push to ditch fluoride came from lawmakers and some residents who say it’s about choice and cutting costs. They argue people shouldn’t be forced to drink fluoridated water if they don’t want it—especially when fluoride pills or toothpaste can do the job. Some, like State Representative Walt Brooks who sponsored the bill, also question its safety, pointing to studies linking high fluoride levels to lower IQ in kids. (Those studies used way more fluoride than Utah’s water ever had)

Plus, removing fluoride saves money—about $1 million a year statewide.

When and How It Happens

The ban kicks in on May 7, 2025. Starting then, all 66 water systems in Utah that added fluoride—like Salt Lake City’s—will stop. Cities won’t have a say anymore; the state’s taking full control. Water departments will simply turn off the fluoride pumps and let the natural water flow. Before this, only 44% of Utahns had fluoridated water—way below the national average—so the shift won’t hit everyone, but it’s still a big change.

What’s Next?

Other states are watching—Idaho and Georgia have similar bills brewing. Fun fact: the U.S. started fluoridating water in 1945, and the CDC calls it a health win, cutting cavities by 25%. Utah’s move flips that script. Most cheer it as a win for freedom; some worry about smiles suffering. Either way, Utah’s leading a fluoride-free charge—will others follow?