Baltimore Temporarily Cuts Fluoride in Drinking Water

City says water remains safe despite reduced fluoridation levels amid global supply chain issues

Apr. 14, 2026 at 6:10pm

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A highly detailed, translucent X-ray photograph showing the molecular structure of a water droplet, with the fluoride ions visible as a ghostly lattice against a dark background.An X-ray view of Baltimore's water supply reveals the molecular structure behind the city's temporary fluoride reduction.Baltimore Today

The Baltimore Department of Public Works is temporarily reducing fluoride levels in the city's drinking water from the recommended 0.7 milligrams per liter down to 0.4 mg/L, citing supply chain problems tied to the ongoing conflict in Iran and broader regional turmoil. Officials stress the water remains safe and fully compliant with state and federal standards, though they are recommending residents, especially those with children, contact their dentists for alternative fluoride sources during this stopgap measure.

Why it matters

Fluoride is widely used to help prevent cavities, with roughly three-quarters of Americans receiving fluoridated water. The disruption in Baltimore comes as Israel, a key exporter of the fluorosilicic acid used in US water systems, faces ongoing conflict, and as the federal government reexamines fluoridation policy amid concerns over potential health risks.

The details

The Baltimore Department of Public Works is temporarily reducing fluoride levels in the city's drinking water from the recommended 0.7 milligrams per liter down to 0.4 mg/L at two major filtration plants. Officials cite supply chain problems tied in part to the war in Iran and broader regional turmoil as the reason for the reduction, though they stress the water remains safe and fully compliant with state and federal standards.

  • The fluoride reduction in Baltimore's drinking water began in April 2026.

The players

Baltimore Department of Public Works

The city agency responsible for managing Baltimore's water supply and infrastructure.

Robert F. Kennedy Jr.

The U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary who has called for the CDC to stop recommending fluoridation.

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)

The federal agency that launched an expedited review of fluoride's potential health risks in January 2026.

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What’s next

The EPA's expedited review of fluoride's potential health risks is expected to be completed by the end of 2026.

The takeaway

This temporary fluoride reduction in Baltimore's drinking water highlights the broader challenges cities face in maintaining critical water infrastructure and public health measures amid global supply chain disruptions and shifting federal policies around fluoridation.