Mandatory Fluoridation in Louisiana

On July 6, 2008, Governor Jindal signed ACT 761 into law which mandates that all Louisiana communities with water systems that have at least 5,000 service connections add fluoride to their water supply. Each community is required to submit an estimate to the Department of Health and Hospitals by March 1, 2009 regarding the total capital costs to acquire and install fluoridation treatment equipment as well as the cost to add and maintain proper fluoride levels. Once the state has identified a source of funding for such costs, either through appropriation, grants or other sources, these communities will be required to install the necessary equipment and begin adding fluoride to their water supply. Fortunately, there is a provision in this law that gives Louisiana communities the right to opt out of this mandate if they choose. They can do so by 1) getting at least 15% of registered voters in their community to sign a petition requesting an exemption to the mandate and 2) calling for an election to be held to vote on such an exemption. So…if you oppose fluoridation and believe that the government has no right to mandate the addition of this toxic chemical to your community's water supply, it's not too late to do something about it. Take action and get involved! Start a petition to keep the water safe in your community now! Already have a petition started? That's great-please contact us with the details so we can help promote your efforts! To view a copy of ACT 761 visit http://www.legis.state.la.us/billdata/streamdocument.asp?did=504248

Does Your Water Contain Fluoride? According to a report issued by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) in 2006, approximately 40% of residents in Louisiana served by community water systems receive water that has been fluoridated. The CDC, unfortunately, is very pro-fluoride, and with Act 761 now in place, they are hoping to increase that percentage to 100%. Their state database shows the current status of fluoridation of water systems in each county in Louisiana as of 2008. To find out if fluoride is currently added to the drinking water in your community, click here.