Birmingham Mayor Criticizes Water Utility Over Fluoride Removal

Randall Woodfin says the $4 million cost to maintain fluoride equipment is where the utility 'draws the line', highlighting their priorities.

Mar. 21, 2026 at 3:20pm

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Birmingham Mayor Randall Woodfin is pushing back against the Central Alabama Water utility's decision to stop adding fluoride to the local drinking water supply. Woodfin criticized the utility's reasoning, saying the $4 million cost to replace aging fluoride equipment is where they 'draw the line', and accused the utility of prioritizing budget concerns over public health. The mayor also raised concerns about the lack of transparency and public input in the decision-making process.

Why it matters

Fluoride has been added to public drinking water for decades as a safe and effective way to improve dental health, especially for children, working families, and seniors with limited access to dental care. Woodfin sees the removal of fluoride as a threat to the community's long-term oral health and a reflection of the utility's misplaced priorities.

The details

Central Alabama Water announced on March 10 that it would stop adding fluoride to its water supply, citing aging equipment and budget concerns. Mayor Woodfin criticized this decision, saying the $4 million cost to replace the fluoride equipment is where the utility 'draws the line' on spending, despite the public health benefits of fluoridation. Woodfin also raised concerns that the decision was made without formal approval, public input, or a public hearing.

  • On March 10, 2026, Central Alabama Water announced it would stop adding fluoride to the local drinking water supply.
  • Mayor Woodfin addressed the issue in a Facebook post on March 21, 2026.

The players

Randall Woodfin

The mayor of Birmingham, Alabama, who is pushing back against the Central Alabama Water utility's decision to remove fluoride from the local drinking water supply.

Central Alabama Water

The water utility that announced it would stop adding fluoride to the local drinking water supply, citing aging equipment and budget concerns.

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What they’re saying

“Fluoride helps prevent tooth decay. It especially helps children, working families, and seniors who don't have the luxury of perfect access to dental care. The American Dental Association has recommended it for decades. This is basic public health.”

— Randall Woodfin, Mayor of Birmingham

“Their excuse? The equipment is too old and it costs too much to replace. But the $4 million for fluoride equipment is where they draw the line? That tells you everything about their priorities.”

— Randall Woodfin, Mayor of Birmingham

What’s next

It is unclear whether the Central Alabama Water fluoride removal has already taken place and if the company will revisit the decision or consider public input. The change raises questions about the potential impact on long-term dental health for Birmingham area residents.

The takeaway

This case highlights the tension between budget concerns and public health priorities, as well as the importance of transparency and community input in decisions that can significantly impact the well-being of a local population. The removal of fluoride from drinking water, a proven public health measure, raises concerns about the utility's commitment to the community's long-term health and wellness.