Judge Orders Central Alabama Water to Restore Fluoride to Drinking Water

Utility violated state law by removing fluoride without proper notice, court rules.

Mar. 31, 2026 at 5:03am

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A Jefferson County Circuit Judge has ordered Alabama's largest water utility, Central Alabama Water (CAW), to resume fluoridation at all of its treatment facilities. The judge granted a temporary restraining order after the city of Birmingham sued, arguing CAW violated state law by removing fluoride from the water supply without providing the required 90-day notice to the State Health Officer.

Why it matters

Fluoride in drinking water is a long-standing public health measure to promote dental health, especially for children. The judge found that Birmingham and its citizens faced immediate and irreparable harm from the fluoride removal, which the utility carried out without public notification.

The details

CAW had stopped fluoridating its water due to aging equipment and a desire to reduce chemical handling risks for employees. However, the judge ruled that the utility showed 'blatant disregard' for state law by making the change without proper notice. The order requires CAW to restore fluoridation 'with all deliberate speed,' including ordering any needed equipment immediately.

  • On March 31, 2026, a Jefferson County Circuit Judge granted a temporary restraining order.
  • The order took effect at 2:30 p.m. on March 31 and remains in place through 5 p.m. on April 2.
  • A hearing on a preliminary injunction is scheduled for noon on April 2.

The players

Frederic Allen Bolling

A Jefferson County Circuit Judge who granted the temporary restraining order against Central Alabama Water.

Central Alabama Water (CAW)

Alabama's largest water utility, which removed fluoride from its drinking water supply without providing the required 90-day notice to the State Health Officer.

City of Birmingham

The city that sued Central Alabama Water, arguing the utility violated state law by removing fluoride from the water supply.

Jeffrey F. Thompson

The CEO of Central Alabama Water, who previously stated the utility was removing fluoride to reduce chemical handling risks for employees and focus resources on delivering safe, reliable water.

John Matson

A spokesperson for Central Alabama Water who said the utility does not comment on pending litigation.

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What they’re saying

“While we acknowledge there are strong opinions about fluoride in drinking water, this decision is based on our operational, safety and financial needs. This change reduces chemical handling risks for our employees, eliminates the use of aging equipment and allows us to focus resources on delivering safe, reliable and exceptionally high-quality drinking water.”

— Jeffrey F. Thompson, CEO, Central Alabama Water

“If equipment needs to be ordered, ORDER IT. If extra work hours need to be approved, APPROVE THEM.”

— Frederic Allen Bolling, Jefferson County Circuit Judge

What’s next

The temporary restraining order remains in effect until 5 p.m. on April 2, when a hearing on a preliminary injunction is scheduled.

The takeaway

This case highlights the importance of public water utilities following state laws and regulations, especially when it comes to public health measures like fluoridation. The judge's swift action to restore fluoride shows the courts' willingness to intervene when utilities disregard their legal obligations.