Central Alabama Water Drops Fluoride from Tap

0:00In Birmingham, it's March 20th, and here's what is going on. Central Alabama water is dropping fluoride from its drinking water supply as part of ongoing budget changes. The utility says the old equipment for adding the chemical is wearing out and needs costly upkeep. Fluoride fights tooth decay, much like it does in toothpaste. The American Dental Association backs its use in water, though it's never been a legal must-do. Several residents may turn to dentists for advice on keeping teeth healthy without it in the tap. This move follows other cuts, including layoffs hitting 23% of the workforce. Some call those firings racially biased and scrapping and person bill payments. Fixing the fluoride systems would run $250,000 a year just in maintenance, so officials chose to end it now. With more shifts ahead at Central Alabama water, families might lean harder on dental checkups and home care to fill the gap.