water system

The county's safety and health committee took no action on fluoridation after the surgeon general's presentation to convince members to end the practice.

Data from the CDC shows 31 utilities in Florida had annual average fluoride levels that were approximately half the CDC’s recommended level or less for at least a year.

Young Black families settled in what is now Whitted in 1886, and their descendants and neighbors there still rely on well water. Now, they know the wells have enough PFAS to trigger health concerns. But change is slow.

Lakeland delayed a hearing over the water issue until the Bartow workshop, which presented experts on both sides. Attendees included Surgeon General Dr. Joseph Ladapo, who wants to end fluoridation.

Commissioners voted to bring an ordinance on removing fluoride from the water supply at a later date. The county must also consider repairing the current fluoridation system.

Environmental activists says the pricey EPA proposals won't stop the chemicals from making their way into the air, waste or consumer products, nor would it clean up existing contamination.

With a burgeoning population and aging water systems, Florida will need $16.5 billion in funding over the next 20 years just to maintain its existing…