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HB 182

Prohibit public water system from adding fluoride to its water

136th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Levi Dean and 4 co-sponsors

Ohio bill would ban public water systems from adding fluoride, eliminating a major preventive dental health measure affecting millions of residents.

Referred to committee
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Bill Summary · HB 182

Legislative bill overview

HB 182 would prohibit public water systems in Ohio from adding fluoride to drinking water supplies. The bill removes the authority of water systems to fluoridate water and prevents them from continuing existing fluoridation programs. This represents a reversal of current practice in many Ohio municipalities that currently fluoridate their water.

Why is this important

Water fluoridation is a major public health intervention that has been used for decades to prevent tooth decay, particularly in children. Approximately 73% of Americans on public water systems receive fluoridated water, and major health organizations including the CDC, WHO, and American Dental Association endorse it as safe and effective. Prohibiting fluoridation would eliminate this preventive dental health measure for affected communities and could increase tooth decay rates, particularly among lower-income populations with limited access to alternative fluoride sources (toothpaste, professional treatments).

Potential points of contention

  • Scientific/medical disagreement: Supporters argue fluoridation is unnecessary or poses health risks (though scientific consensus supports safety at standard levels); opponents cite decades of public health data showing cavity reduction benefits
  • Local control vs. state mandate: The bill removes decision-making authority from individual water systems and local governments, imposing a statewide prohibition rather than allowing community choice
  • Cost implications: Removing fluoridation may increase dental health costs for individuals and public health systems, while some argue fluoridation itself is expensive infrastructure that could be eliminated

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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