Bay County To Discontinue Fluoride In Public Water Supply

BAY COUNTY, FL – (May 7, 2025) Bay County will soon stop adding fluoride to its public drinking water supply, in compliance with the recent decision by the Florida Legislature that prohibits the addition of fluoride and other substances not defined as water quality additives to municipal water systems. 

The move is expected to save the county approximately $100,000 annually and will take about 30 days to complete. 

“This change is a simple adjustment for us,” said Sean Lathrop, Water Division superintendent. “Once the chemical is gone, fluoride will no longer enter the system. We’ll continue to maintain the highest water quality standards, as always.” 

Fluoride is added in the form of a liquid chemical known as hydrofluosilicic acid, and once removed from the water treatment process, the county’s entire distribution system will be fluoride-free in about 30 days. 

For questions about this transition or the County’s water treatment practices, please contact the Bay County Utilities Department at (850) 248-5010. 

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Related story on the danger of too much fluoride: https://baycountycoastal.com/articles/1191/view/opinion-is-it-time-to-eliminate-or-reduce-the-fluoride-in-our-drinking-water