Utah is about to become the first state in America to completely ban adding fluoride to drinking water, even though a new poll suggests only one in five Utah voters actually supports the decision.
Over the objections of dental health experts, lawmakers passed HB81, which overturns a voter-approved 1976 ballot initiative that allows fluoride to be added to water systems if voters approve it at the ballot box.
The survey from Noble Predictive Insights asked registered voters which of these statements came closest to their position on fluoridated water.
- “Fluoride is added to tap water in almost every state. It has dental health benefits and no negative effects. It should be in the water.”
- “Fluoride is good for dental health, but local governments should be able to choose whether it’s in the water.”
- “Fluoride has negative effects and should not be added to drinking water.”
The two statements supporting fluoridation were chosen by 32% and 34% of voters respectively. Just 20% felt fluoride was harmful, while 14% were not sure.
The poll suggests there is not a groundswell of public support for removing fluoride from water systems. In fact, just two years ago, voters in Brigham City overwhelmingly rejected a ballot initiative to end fluoridation in that city.
So, why would Utah lawmakers push through legislation that 66% of voters either oppose or believe should remain a local choice? The legislation got a big boost by right-wing special interest groups, showing the influence these organizations exert on legislative outcomes.
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Just two counties — Salt Lake and Davis — currently have fluoridated water. The bill’s sponsor, Rep. Stephanie Gricius, represents an area in Utah County that is not impacted by fluoridation. This week, she claimed that the issue was brought to her by a constituent, who also does not have fluoride added to their water.
A review of committee hearings and floor debates by Utah Political Watch found that at no point during the 2025 legislative session did Gricius mention the issue being prompted by constituent concerns.
However, late last year, Corrine Johnson, President of the right-wing parents' rights group Utah Parents United, boasted during a recorded online meeting that her organization had already secured a sponsor for the bill—who turned out to be Gricius.
“There’s going to be a piece of legislation that is going to be removing fluoride from the water in Utah,” Johnson said. “We’ve been pushing for this legislation since we fought masks and vaccines.”
Johnson spoke in favor of the bill twice during committee hearings.
Gricius declined an interview request but acknowledged in a statement that Utah Parents United played a pivotal role in the legislation.
“While the idea was brought to me by a constituent, Utah Parents United was immensely helpful in getting the bill across the finish line. I appreciate their partnership and collaboration in moving forward an important piece of legislation,” Gricius said.
Despite the clear disconnect between public opinion and legislative action, Gov. Spencer Cox confirmed he intends to sign the legislation into law — cementing a victory for special interest groups over the majority of Utah voters.
