Judge Rules on Fluoridation Fight in Birmingham

0:00A Jefferson County judge shot down a request to step aside from the big fluoridation fight between Birmingham and Central Alabama water, and he dropped hints on his upcoming ruling during Thursday's hearing. The beef started when the utility cut fluoride to zero on March 20 without proper heads up, violating state law according to the city so. Birmingham sued to force it back. Earlier this week, that same judge hit them with a temporary order to pump fluoride back in, but at the hearing he leaned toward denying a permanent fix. He called out the utility for the initial slip-up, but said they're good now after filing notice on March 12, kicking off a 90-day clock that runs into mid-June, meaning fluoride stays on till then. Equipment at the shade's mountain plan is busted, with repairs eyeing 315 days, and while the city warns of help hits, the judge. Left the door crack for 10 more days of filings before dropping the final word. Stay informed with Birmingham News today, AI-powered updates. I'm Corey with The Story.