Arcata’s Debate Over Fluoride in the City’s Water Supply

Arcata, Ca. (KIEM) – Should there be fluoride in Arcata’s water supply? Well, voters may face that very question on the November 2020 ballot.

The Arcata City Council set to decide whether to place a measure on the ballot to stop the fluoridation of city water, or continue having in the water supply.

The idea to remove fluoride was introduced by council member Paul Patino. Patino has questions surrounding how safe it actually is. Fluoride has safely been added to water for the last 70 years.

Many people are against the measure, including local health officials, who say fluoride benefits oral health and should remain in the water supply. According to DHHS, fluoridating water helps prevent one of the most common diseases among children, dental disease.

The last time fluoride in the water supply was brought before the city council was back in 2006.