By The St. Clair County Health Department
The St. Clair County Health Department Medical Director, Dr. Remington Nevin, has issued a memorandum to all county municipalities with municipal water systems outlining recent scientific and federal regulatory developments related to community water fluoridation.
The update explains that the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is under federal court order to regulate fluoride in drinking water under the Toxic Substances Control Act and is conducting a formal review under the Safe Drinking Water Act. This follows findings from the National Toxicology Program and other recent scientific reviews identifying potential neurodevelopmental concerns at higher fluoride exposure levels.
The EPA’s review could result in revised federal standards that are lower than the current recommended fluoridation level of 0.7 parts per million (ppm).
In October 2025, the St. Clair County Advisory Board of Health endorsed a recommendation that the Health Department pursue drafting local regulations that would prohibit the addition of fluoride to municipal water systems in the county. Those draft regulations are expected to be released soon for public review and comment.
Municipalities currently retain sole authority over decisions regarding water fluoridation. However, in light of anticipated federal and local regulatory changes, the Medical Director is recommending that communities consider voluntarily discontinuing water fluoridation.
For more information about the St. Clair County Health Department, visit scchealth.co or call
(810) 987-5300.