Summary
Utah became the first state to ban fluoride in public drinking water after Republican Gov. Spencer Cox signed legislation prohibiting local decisions on fluoridation.
Cox cited cost and personal choice, likening fluoride to government “medication.”
The ban faces opposition from dentists and health experts, who argue fluoride prevents cavities and benefits low-income communities.
Nearly two-thirds of Americans receive fluoridated water. Some cities have already removed fluoride, and a recent court order requires the EPA to regulate high levels that may affect children’s intellectual development.
Why?
It’s a public utility here. Like electricity and garbage collection.
electricity and garbage collection aren’t companies where you are?
No, the city handles all of that.
I guess that makes some sense, but would be kind of weird if you were forced to get garbage collection in every city (some us cities more or less force it others don’t and some have multiple competing options) or required to be connected to the electric grid.
But I suppose this is just coming from me having lived primarily in rural areas where those services are often less than ideal and having the option to just not use them makes you feel less forced. (water trucks/wells, septic systems, taking trash to a transfer station in a car/truck, generators/solar are the main alternatives)
I’m not sure how it is in the middle of nowhere but as far as I know you don’t have to be connected either. You won’t have an electricity bill (since that’s provincial), but the rest is handled by municipal taxes and I don’t know if you can opt out of those.
nice