Harlan Municipal Utilities will discontinue flouride additives in city water

By Renée Brich, Managing Editor
HARLAN — The Harlan Municipal Utilities (HMU) Board of Trustees has approved a resolution to discontinue the addition of fluoride to the city’s water supply, citing recent federal findings, court action and a review of current research.
According to HMU CEO Joe Ruesenberg and Water Superintendent Donald Cote, discussion began following two major developments in 2024. First, the U.S. National Toxicology Program concluded with moderate confidence that higher fluoride levels are associated with lower IQ in children and that fluoride is considered a developmental neurotoxicant. 
Then a federal court ruling in a seven-year case ordered the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to take regulatory action regarding water fluoridation.
In his conclusion, U.S. District Judge Edward Chen wrote: “Plaintiffs have proven, by a preponderance of the evidence, that water fluoridation at the level of 0.7 mg/L – the prescribed optimal level of fluoridation in the United States – presents an ‘unreasonable risk of injury to health or the environment, without consideration of costs or other non-risk factors, including an unreasonable risk to a potentially exposed or susceptible subpopulation under the conditions of use.’ 15 U.S.C. § 2620(b)(4)(B)(ii).”
Resolution approved
In January 2026, the board introduced and approved Resolution 105-2026 to discontinue community water fluoridation. As a result, HMU will stop feeding hydrofluorosilicic acid into the water system. No public vote is planned, but the utility is accepting public comments through March 26. Residents have been notified through newsletters included with monthly utility bills.
Hydrofluorosilicic acid is a byproduct of phosphate fertilizer manufacturing and a chemical commonly used for water fluoridation typically supplied as a 20–30% solution. HMU officials noted that Harlan’s source water contains a naturally occurring fluoride concentration between 0.32 and 0.38 mg/L, which will remain in place.
The annual cost to add fluoride is approximately $6,700 for chemical purchase and maintenance of pumping equipment. To stop fluoridation, HMU will remove feed pumps, injection quills and related piping. Officials said fluoride is purely an additive and “has absolutely no impact on the water treatment process.” They added that removing it will not affect compliance with state or federal water quality standards.
Prior reviews and research
HMU has reviewed its fluoride policy three times in recent years, each time reducing levels in accordance with recommendations from the Iowa Department of Public Health, from 1.5 mg/L to 1.2 mg/L and most recently to 0.7 mg/L.
“Our conclusion, IDPH has reduced their recommended or ‘optimal’ level of fluoride several times in the past the several years. This points towards an indication that they are still evaluating fluoride additives and its risk versus reward to the public. HMU’s stance is to provide the best quality drinking water that does not risk anyone’s health. With all the information reviewed, HMU has concluded that the addition of Hydrofluosilicic Acid does not align with our primary goal,” officials said.
In addition to the National Toxicology Program findings and the EPA lawsuit, HMU reviewed several medical studies examining potential links between fluoride exposure and hypothyroidism, as well as prenatal exposure and IQ outcomes. 
Officials stated, “With all the information that has been reviewed, there is a clear indication that fluoride additives like Hydrofluosilicic Acid have not been proven safe for our customers to consume even at low levels. However, there is a growing amount of evidence to the contrary.”
The board also noted that House File HF2395, introduced earlier this year, would ban fluoride addition statewide, though the bill is currently stalled. As of May 2025, Utah and Florida enacted statewide bans, and legislation has been introduced in numerous other states.
Local dentists’ opinions
HMU representatives said they have spoken with local dentists, who do not agree with the decision but anticipated potential changes at the local, state or federal level. Officials acknowledged dental care is important, and emphasized that over-the-counter fluoridated toothpaste and mouth rinses remain widely available.
They also referenced guidance from the American Dental Association, which supports community water fluoridation but advises monitoring fluoride intake for infants and young children.
“This decision was made based on the public health impacts that fluoride additives have on public health. HMU must be mindful of any subpopulation within the population that we serve; the health of our community is our top priority. Fluoride is not considered an essential nutrient. Dental care is extremely important, Iowa has many programs to assist children and low-income families with dental care,” officials said.
Safety data sheet findings
HMU officials also reviewed the manufacturer’s safety data sheet for hydrofluorosilicic acid. The document classifies the chemical as hazardous under federal OSHA standards. It is identified as toxic if swallowed, inhaled or absorbed through the skin, and capable of causing severe skin burns and eye damage. It is also corrosive to metals.
The safety sheet outlines strict handling requirements, including protective gloves, clothing and eye protection, proper ventilation and secure storage in corrosion-resistant containers. In cases of exposure, immediate medical attention is required, with detailed first-aid measures for inhalation, skin contact, ingestion and eye exposure.
The document further notes that hydrofluorosilicic acid can release toxic gases when reacting with certain materials and may pose environmental hazards if spilled. Disposal must follow local, state and federal regulations.
Statewide context
According to the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services, 131 Iowa water systems adjusted fluoride levels as of 2024, while 484 systems do not. Several Iowa communities have stopped fluoridation since 2017, including Ida Grove, Ely, Tama and Union County. HMU officials said they are unaware of any reported negative outcomes in those communities.
Harlan will now join communities that rely on naturally occurring fluoride levels, rather than chemical adjustment. 
Public comments on the change will be accepted through March 26.