NC county puts on hold a decision to remove fluoride from its water
Harnett County has paused a discussion on whether to remove fluoride from its drinking water “indefinitely.”
The Harnett County Board of Commissioners unanimously voted Tuesday to table a discussion on whether to remove fluoride form Harnett Regional Water.
“There is still a lot of data out there that we haven’t looked at,” Vice Chair William Morris said.
There have been a “gaggle” of people coming to the board with their opinions, he said, and the commissioners need more time to look at things.
“Harnett County Board of Commissioners received various emails and comments during our Board of Commissioner meetings from several citizens regarding fluoride in the water in the past few months,” said Desiree Patrick, the county’s public information officer. “The board then decided to have the conversation once the new Harnett Regional Water director began, which he started in late February.”
The Harnett County Board of Health voted to recommend keeping fluoride in the water during its April 24 meeting.
Harnett Regional Water serves 125,000 people, including in Lillington, Angier and Erwin in Harnett County, Fort Bragg and Spring Lake in Cumberland County and Holly Springs and Fuquay-Varina in Wake County. Harnett also provides water to Johnston and Moore counties.
“We need more information before you make a decision that’s going to affect the health of our citizens of this county,” said Commissioner Barbara McKoy.
Fluoride, a naturally occurring mineral found in many foods and water, has been debated for years but has was thrust into the forefront after Robert F. Kennedy Jr., U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services, said he plans to tell the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to stop recommending fluoride in drinking water.
Fluoridation of community water can help prevent cavities, reduce oral health disparities and save money on dental bills, according to the CDC.
It is up to local government and local water utilities to decide whether to fluoridate water.
Two North Carolina counties, Lincoln County and Union County, have both voted to ban fluoride in their water supplies.
This story was originally published April 29, 2025 at 12:21 PM.
