The audio version of this story is AI generated and is not human reviewed. It may contain errors or inaccuracies. The state Department of Health stands by fluoridation as a step in treating public drinking water supplies, officials with the agency told Mississippi Today on Tuesday. Last week, t he state Public Service Commission unanimously passed a resolution advocating for the “removal of sodium fluoride additives in drinking water.” Water systems began using fluoride as a treatment measure to prevent tooth decay in 1945. Drinking fluoridated water reduces cavities by 25%, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The CDC has called the practice one of the greatest public health interventions of the 20th Century. “MSDH encourages the use of fluoride for it’s health benefits, primarily for oral health,” Greg Flynn, a spokesperson for the agency, said. But a growing movement — championed by U.S. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. — has seen places around the country remove fluoride from the treatment process. Last year, Utah became the first state to ban the practice. “Mississippians deserve to know what is being added to their drinking water and why,” said Central District Public Service Commissioner De’Keither Stamps, who introduced last week’s resolution. “This resolution is rooted in transparency, safety and affordability. We want to help water systems reduce avoidable chemical costs while ensuring families have confidence in the quality of the water coming into their homes.” In a handbook on water fluoridation, the Health Department’s Bureau of Water Supply states its position more firmly. “While it is understood, based on peer-reviewed scientific research, and years of experience that (water fluoridation) is safe and effective, some public water systems within Mississippi choose to discontinue fluoridation, contrary to the guidance of public health professionals,” the handbook says. “In many cases, decisions are made by (water system) officials without receiving appropriate factual information or notifying customers of the public water supply about the loss of this public health benefit.” FILE – A child shows off her teeth after a dental exam in Concord, N.H., Wednesday, Feb. 21, 2024. (AP Photo/Robert F. Bukaty, file) Opponents also point to toothpaste with growing amounts of fluoride as a reason to stop using the additive in drinking water. But toothpaste isn’t a replacement for water fluoridation, the bureau adds in the handbook. Neither the state nor federal government require water systems to use fluoride in their treatment. In 2001, the Mississippi State Board of Dental Examiners came out in support of statewide fluoridation in drinking water systems. Its counsel, Westley Mutziger, told Mississippi Today the board hasn’t reviewed its stance on the matter. Flynn, with MSDH, said two systems in Mississippi have completed the process of discontinuing fluoride treatment: Sunrise Utility Association, which serves 5,998 people in Forrest County, and the town of Louise, which serves 870 people in Humphreys County. As of last December, another 26 systems serving a combined 275,000 people were in the process of abandoning fluoride in their water treatment, according to MSDH: City of Brandon, serving 31,548 people in Rankin County. City of Greenville, serving 29,602 people in Washington County. City of Flowood, serving 27,997 people in Rankin County. Bear Creek W/A – West, serving 26,012 people in Madison County. City of Ridgeland, serving 24,459 people in Madison County. Bear Creek W/A – East, serving 18,120 people in Madison County. City of Cleveland, serving 16,392 people in Bolivar County. North Lamar W/A, serving 12,778 people in Lamar County. Diamondhead Utilities – North, serving 12,577 people in Hancock County. City of Brookhaven, serving 12,513 people in Lincoln County. City of Bay St. Louis, serving 9,284 people in Hancock County. City of Richland, serving 7,000 people in Rankin County. City of Philadelphia, serving 6,921 people in Neshoba County. Crystal Springs W/S, serving 5,961 people in Copiah County. Macon Electric and Water Department, serving 5,174 people in Noxubee County. City of Waynesboro, serving 4,850 people in Wayne County. Eudora Utilities Association, serving 3,712 people in DeSoto County. City of Sardis, serving 3,439 people in Panola County. City of Water Valley, serving 3,380 people in Yalobusha County. City of Poplarville, serving 3,334 people in Pearl River County. City of Collins, serving 2,921 people in Covington County. Sharon Water Works, serving 2,843 people in Jones County. Town of Ackerman, serving 1,594 people in Choctaw County. Town of Monticello, serving 1,400 people in Lawrence County. Town of Inverness, serving 895 people in Sunflower County. Ellisville State School #1, serving 750 people in Jones County. While the state doesn’t require fluoride in water treatment, it does require a water system to take certain steps before discontinuing the practice: 1) meeting in person with MSDH’s Bureau of Public Water supply, 2) giving a 30-day public notice, 3) the governing body holding a vote, 4) another public notice of the final decision, and 5) continuing to inform customers that the system has stopped using fluoride in its water treatment. ...read more read less