What’s Really in Your Drinking Water? A Look at Fluoridated Water And Its Risks

Water is one of the most essential substances on Earth, yet questions surrounding fluoridated water have caused many people to wonder exactly what is flowing from their taps each day. Is fluoridated water a safe and effective public health measure, or is there more to the story than we’ve been told?

We rely on water to nourish us, sustain us, and quite literally keep us alive. Yet, despite depending on it every single day, how often do we stop and ask a simple question:

What exactly is in our drinking water?

Per the U.S. National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine, men need about 15.5 cups of water daily and women need about 11.5 cups of water daily. Water, in many ways, is a life source. It regulates body temperature, cushions joints, delivers oxygen, aids digestion, supports kidney function, and helps remove waste from the body.

Around 60% of our bodies are made up of water. Our bones are 20% water. Our muscles are 76% water. Our blood is 83% water. Our lungs are 90% water. Our brains are 95% water.

It is difficult to overstate just how important water is to our survival. The human body can go without water for only about three days before organs begin to fail. Compare that to food, where humans may survive for weeks without eating, and it becomes clear that water is not simply another beverage—it is a necessity.

But while we carefully consider the foods we eat, how often do we stop to consider the quality of the water we drink?

Modern water systems have brought incredible convenience, yet they have also introduced questions about contaminants, treatment methods, and the chemicals intentionally added to our water supply. One of the most debated topics is fluoridated water. For decades, fluoridated water has been promoted as a safe and effective way to prevent tooth decay. Others, however, question whether adding fluoride to public drinking water is necessary and wonder what long-term effects it may have on our health.

So, is fluoridated water one of the greatest public health achievements of modern times—or is there more to the story?

Let’s take a closer look and explore the questions surrounding our drinking water, its quality, and the role fluoride plays within it.

Why Water Quality Matters

In colonial times, water was drawn from wells or collected from rivers and streams. Today, we have countless options: tap water, well water, spring water, purified water, distilled water, alkaline water, mineral water, sparkling water, and reverse osmosis water, just to name a few.

With so many choices available, an important question arises:

Is our water truly better today than it was generations ago?

Or have modern conveniences introduced new concerns?

And what about fluoride?

Fluoride is intentionally added to much of the public water supply and is often promoted as a means of cavity prevention. For decades, it has been described as a public health success story. But is fluoridation truly necessary? Are there risks associated with it? And why has this become such a heated debate?

Let’s begin by taking a closer look at the water that most Americans drink every day.

Understanding Tap Water

Americans drink more than one billion glasses of tap water every day. It is used not only for drinking, but also for cooking, bathing, laundry, and countless other daily activities.

Tap water is supplied through municipal systems and originates from either groundwater or surface water sources. Before it reaches our homes, it goes through an extensive treatment process designed to remove contaminants and make the water safe for public consumption.

At first glance, this process sounds noble and reassuring.

But is it as simple as it appears?

The water treatment process relies heavily on chemicals during several stages of purification, and some critics argue that these treatments introduce concerns of their own.

One stage that often raises questions is known as coagulation.

According to FloWater:

“In a process known as coagulation, large amounts of chemicals with positively charged ions are introduced to the water being treated. As a result, dirt and other contaminants with negatively charged ions find and bind themselves to these chemicals to create larger coagulated particles that can then be sifted out. The larger particles referred to as sediment, sink to the bottom of the water. Because of coagulation, the dirt that was once free-floating debris takes on a higher density that allows it to fall to the bottom of the tank where it can be sifted out of the water. This process of sifting debris out of the water is known as filtration, though it is not the same filtration you are familiar with. This filtration process only gets rid of the dirt and contaminants that bound themselves together in the coagulation process. There is no doubt that residual chemicals remain in the water even after filtration, and as such another step is taken to manipulate the water further.”

After coagulation comes another important stage: disinfection.

Again, according to FloWater:

“Disinfectant is added to the water in large doses to combat the other chemicals previously added along with any bacteria left over from coagulation. I want you to think about the chemicals you would use to disinfect your pool. Those same chemicals are what is being added to tap water during the treatment process. Chlorine and chloramine are added during the disinfection process to kill any free radical contaminants that may be lurking in the water. The obvious flaw with this process is that these chemicals stay in the water without going through another filtration process.”

The article continues:

“Water companies also add fluoride to water to mask the chemical taste of all the other previous chemical manipulations your water has undergone. And even with all of this chemical treatment when most tap water is tested, it is found that there are large amounts of various bacteria living in the water that comes straight from the tap. The most common chemicals found in tap water when it is tested fluoride, chlorine, nitrates, pesticides, and salts of mercury, arsenic, and lead.”

Take a moment to think about that list:

Fluoride.
Chlorine.
Nitrates.
Pesticides.
Mercury.
Arsenic.
Lead.

The very chemicals used to purify water—or contaminants that remain within it—are also substances that raise health concerns for many people.

Is this simply the cost of modern water treatment?

Or should we be asking more questions about what ultimately ends up in our glass?

Chemicals and Contaminants Found in Drinking Water

When most people turn on the faucet, they assume the water pouring from it is clean, pure, and safe.

But is it?

Concerns about drinking water quality have grown significantly over the years, particularly as scientists continue to identify contaminants that may impact human health.

In March 2024, CNN published an article stating that nearly half of the tap water in the United States is contaminated with PFAS—commonly referred to as “forever chemicals.” These chemicals have been associated with health concerns including cancer, thyroid disorders, liver damage, elevated cholesterol, hormone imbalances, and fertility issues.

This naturally raises an important question:

If contaminants are known to exist in our water supply, why isn’t more being done to remove them?

According to the Environmental Working Group (EWG), several factors may contribute to the problem:

• Insufficient funding to replace aging lead pipelines
• Federal water safety standards that have not kept pace with the latest science
• The Environmental Protection Agency moving slowly on new drinking water regulations
• A lack of political will

While these concerns continue to be debated, there is one substance found in drinking water that has generated controversy for decades.

That substance is fluoride.

Unlike many contaminants that accidentally enter the water supply, fluoride is intentionally added to public drinking water in many communities.

For some, this is viewed as one of the greatest public health achievements of the twentieth century.

For others, it raises serious questions.

What Is Fluoride?

Fluoride is a naturally occurring mineral that is released from rocks into the soil and eventually makes its way into water and the air.

It is also naturally present in a variety of foods, including:

• Coffee
• Tea
• Seafood
• Fruits
• Vegetables
• White rice
• Wine
• Gelatin
• Oatmeal
• Water

But according to critics of fluoridation, there is an important distinction to make.

Not all fluoride is the same.

The naturally occurring form is known as calcium fluoride and is commonly found in soil and nature.

The synthetic form is known as sodium fluoride.

Because sodium fluoride is manufactured rather than naturally occurring, critics argue that it should not be viewed as equivalent to the fluoride found in nature. They point to concerns about toxicity and potential health risks associated with synthetic fluoride compounds.

In fact, sodium fluoride in its purest form is capable of eating through concrete.

And if that isn’t surprising enough, the three chemicals commonly used to fluoridate water—

• Sodium fluoride
• Sodium fluorosilicate
• Fluorosilicic acid

—are by-products of industrial fertilizer production.

The CDC’s chief fluoridation engineer has acknowledged this, as has the National Academy of Sciences.

This naturally leads many people to ask:

If these chemicals originate as industrial by-products, why are they added to something as essential as our drinking water?

The History of Water Fluoridation

The practice of fluoridating water began in 1945.

At the time, studies suggested that moderate fluoridation could help slow tooth decay, and public health officials believed adding fluoride to municipal water systems would improve dental health across the population.

For decades, fluoridation has been promoted as an effective and inexpensive way to prevent cavities and strengthen tooth enamel.

But critics argue that the quality of evidence supporting these claims has been weak and that fluoridation is becoming increasingly unnecessary.

One of the most commonly cited examples is Western Europe.

Today, approximately 97% of Western Europe consumes non-fluoridated water, yet rates of tooth decay have declined over the past fifty years.

This raises an interesting question:

If dental health has improved in countries that do not fluoridate their water, is fluoridation truly essential?

Or are there other factors at play such as improved nutrition, dental hygiene, and access to care?

Concerns Surrounding Fluoride Exposure

The debate surrounding fluoridation extends beyond dental health.

Critics point to research and statistics that they believe warrant further investigation.

Among the concerns frequently cited are:

• Approximately 50% of ingested fluoride is deposited in the bones of children.
• Approximately 10% is stored in the bones of adults.
• According to the CDC, 41% of American children have dental fluorosis, a condition associated with excessive fluoride exposure.
• More than 23 human studies and over 100 animal studies have linked fluoride exposure to brain damage.

These statistics have led some researchers to question whether fluoride exposure may have consequences beyond the teeth.

What other dangers have been suggested?

According to CleanWaterOregon.org:

“In 2014, Harvard researchers named fluoride as one of the top developmental neurotoxins impacting children’s brain development in the prestigious medical journal The Lancet. The report followed another large-scale meta-study showing that elevated fluoride levels in drinking water were correlated with decreased childhood IQ. Even the CDC openly cites to data from the National Sanitation Foundation (NSF) which admits that 43% of fluoridation chemicals test positive for arsenic.”

Claims such as these have fueled a growing movement of individuals questioning long-standing public health recommendations.

Some believe fluoridation is a beneficial practice backed by decades of use.

Others believe the risks have not been adequately addressed.

And perhaps the most important question remains:

How much do we really know about what is being added to our drinking water—and are we asking enough questions?

Why Is Fluoride Still Used?

At this point, you may be asking yourself:

If fluoride is unnecessary and linked to health concerns, why are we still using it in 2026?

That is a question many people are beginning to ask.

If fluoridation is a form of mass medication—one that has no individualized dosing and no regard for age, body weight, or health status—then why has the practice continued for decades?

My personal opinion?

Big Pharma.

Think about it.

For generations, the dental community, medical professionals, and mainstream media have promoted fluoride as beneficial. We have been told it prevents cavities, strengthens enamel, and improves public health.

That message has been repeated for years and continues to be taught in many educational and medical settings today.

But if synthetic fluoride is associated with a host of health concerns, as critics claim, then who stands to benefit if people become ill?

In my opinion, the answer is simple:

The medical community and Big Pharma—two enormous industries that profit from disease and treatment.

If a population is healthier, profits decline.

If a population is chronically ill, profits rise.

Is it possible that a system built around treating illness rather than preventing it has little incentive to ask difficult questions?

It is a controversial thought.

But perhaps it is one worth considering.

Expert Opinions on Fluoridation

Many professionals have voiced concerns regarding the fluoridation of public water supplies.

James Beck, Professor of Medical Biophysics at the University of Calgary, Alberta, Canada, says:

“Fluoridating public water supplies is now demonstrated to be ineffective at preventing dental caries, to be toxic for various body systems and damaging to the development of the central nervous system. Furthermore, it is medically unethical because it is being approved by unqualified authorities, delivers an uncontrolled dose, without medical monitoring. All of this without the informed consent of recipients and without their ability to easily or cheaply avoid exposure once the fluoride is added to their drinking water.”

Dr. Stephanie Cave was quoted:

“Fluoride is a potent poison for enzymes. I cannot reconcile putting it into the water source or children’s mouths. Money has to be the motivation because it makes no sense otherwise.”

Paul Connett, Professor of Chemistry at St. Lawrence University, agreed:

“In my view, the three most telling arguments against fluoridation are:

1. governments shouldn’t do to everyone what a doctor cannot do to anyone, i.e. force an individual to take medication without their consent.

2. The level of fluoride in mothers milk is so low (0.004 ppm), i.e. 250 times lower than the typical level added to water (1 ppm). If you believe in fluoridation you are essentially saying that nature screwed up on what a baby needs for healthy nutrition.

3. The concession by the CDC that fluoride’s predominant action is topical.

If it works on the outside of the tooth why on earth expose the whole body to this known toxic substance by putting it into the drinking water? Thus, when one learns that there is little decent science demonstrating that ingested fluoride is reducing tooth decay and there is a growing body of evidence that there are many health concerns, it not only adds scientific weight to these three very basic common sense and ethical arguments, but makes this practice even more preposterous.”

Whether one agrees with these viewpoints or not, they reflect the concerns of a growing number of researchers, healthcare practitioners, and individuals who believe that public water fluoridation deserves further scrutiny.

And perhaps that is the heart of the matter:

Not blind acceptance.

Not blind rejection.

But asking questions.

Researching.

And making informed decisions for ourselves and our families.

Ways to Reduce Fluoride Exposure

For those who wish to limit their fluoride exposure, there are several options to consider.

Use an Appropriate Water Filter

Reverse osmosis, deionizer, and activated alumina water filters can remove approximately 90% of fluoride from drinking water.

Activated carbon filters, such as Brita or Pur, generally do not remove fluoride.

Choose Spring Water Carefully

Some individuals choose spring water as an alternative to municipal tap water.

If doing so, consider checking the fluoride content and choosing brands with fluoride levels less than 0.2 ppm.

Purchase a Water Distiller

Water distillers are another option for reducing fluoride and certain contaminants from drinking water.

Focus on Fresh Foods

Processed foods may contain higher levels of fluoride.

Eating more fresh fruits, vegetables, and minimally processed foods may help reduce exposure while also supporting overall wellness.

Rethink Your Cookware

Non-stick pots and pans may contain chemicals that some people prefer to avoid.

Stainless steel cookware is one alternative often chosen by those seeking a more natural lifestyle.

Decline Fluoride Treatments

Some individuals choose to avoid fluoride treatments offered at dental offices and instead focus on nutrition, oral hygiene, and other approaches to dental health.

Make Your Own Toothpaste

Homemade toothpaste recipes often include ingredients such as:

• Baking soda
• Charcoal
• Bentonite clay
• Coconut oil
• Essential oils

Many people enjoy experimenting with these alternatives as part of a more natural wellness routine.

Final Thoughts: Returning to Nature

At the end of the day, this article is not meant to tell you what to think.

It is meant to encourage you to ask questions.

To research.

To dig deeper.

Because when it comes to our health, we should never stop learning.

Water is essential to life.

And something so essential deserves our attention.

Perhaps fluoridation is beneficial.

Perhaps it is harmful.

Or perhaps the truth lies somewhere in between.

The important thing is that we remain curious and informed rather than simply accepting things because “that’s the way they’ve always been.”

For me personally, this topic serves as another reminder that what God has already provided us here on Earth has, and always will be, the very best.

I choose to stay away from synthetic, artificial, industrialized, and lab-grown products whenever possible and instead embrace nature.

After all…

our bodies were designed to thrive in it.

I will drink to that!

Continue Your Wellness Journey

Curious about other environmental and lifestyle factors that may influence your health?

Explore these related articles:

• Benefits of Salt
• Grounding: Reconnecting with the Earth
• Artificial Light and Its Impact on Health

This article is intended for educational purposes and to encourage readers to explore multiple perspectives and make informed decisions regarding their health and wellness.