Lamont Signs Law Preserving Fluoride Standards in Connecticut Drinking Water

CONNECTICUT — Gov. Ned Lamont has signed legislation requiring Connecticut’s public water systems to continue fluoridating drinking water at the level currently recommended by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, in a move praised by health officials and dentists as a safeguard against potential federal rollbacks.

The law, which took effect immediately upon Lamont’s signature Monday, codifies the 0.7 milligrams per liter standard for fluoride in state statutes. It replaces a previous regulation that tied Connecticut’s fluoride requirement to HHS recommendations, giving the state flexibility to maintain its current level even if national standards change under the Trump administration.

“Community water fluoridation has been effective in the United States for nearly a century,” Lamont said. “With this enactment of this new state law, we will ensure that this public health standard continues in Connecticut regardless of whatever political decisions are made at the federal level.”

Dental experts widely support fluoridation for its long-term benefits in reducing cavities and improving oral health. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has named water fluoridation one of the 10 greatest public health achievements of the 20th century.

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According to the CDC, fluoride in drinking water reduces cavities by up to 25 percent across populations, including those who use fluoride toothpaste. The Harvard School of Dental Medicine estimates a national ban on fluoridation could raise dental treatment costs by $20 billion over 10 years.

State Senate President Martin M. Looney and Senate Majority Leader Bob Duff, both Democrats, championed the legislation.

“To put it simply, there’s no evidence that fluoride in public waterways in the United States does anything other than prevent cavities and improve oral health,” Duff said.

Connecticut Public Health Commissioner Dr. Manisha Juthani said the law builds on a foundation dating back to 1965, when fluoridation became state policy. “Numerous research studies have shown that water fluoridation is safe, effective, and the best way to improve oral health in a community,” she said.

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The Connecticut State Dental Association and other public health groups applauded the move, citing growing concern over campaigns that have influenced fluoride bans in Florida, Utah and Oklahoma.

In March, Utah became the first state to ban fluoride in public drinking water, pushing past opposition from dentists and national health organizations who warned the move would disproportionately hurt low-income residents who can’t afford regular dentist visits, according to the Associated Press.

HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. praised Utah for emerging as "the leader in making America healthy again."

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"I’m very, very proud of this state for being the first state to ban it, and I hope many more will," he said. Kennedy oversees the CDC, whose recommendations are widely followed but not mandatory.

“Connecticut’s legislators and Governor Lamont have acted expeditiously and effectively to protect the health of Connecticut residents,” said CSDA Executive Director Kathlene Gerrity.

Dr. Brianna Muñoz, a pediatric dentist and president of the Connecticut Oral Health Initiative, said the law affirms the state’s commitment to health equity.

“Community water fluoridation is the only way to cross socioeconomic lines and to benefit those living in the shadows of society who may not otherwise have access to dental care,” she said.

The measure was enacted as Section 183 of Public Act 25-168.