How to Get Rid of Fluoride in Water
In 1945, Grand Rapids, Michigan, made history as the first city to introduce fluoride into its water supply, a move lauded as a major leap in public health designed to combat cavities. The innovation sparked a national trend, with cities nationwide swiftly following suit. Fluoridation became a staple of municipal water treatment, celebrated for its promise of healthier smiles.
But today, in an age when fluoride is readily found in toothpaste and mouthwash, the need for it in our drinking water is under increasing scrutiny. A recent review from the Cochrane Database found fluoridated water reduces tooth decay by a minuscule amount, only about a quarter of a tooth's surface. This has led many to question whether its benefits outweigh the potential risks. Growing evidence suggests that fluoride may extend its reach beyond our teeth, possibly thyroid function, cognitive development, and overall health. With such concerns on the rise, many people are seeking ways to remove fluoride from their lives. Whether you're worried about long-term exposure or want cleaner water for your household, there are various methods available. From advanced filtration systems to simple DIY solutions, you can take control of your water and your health.
For decades, fluoride has quietly flowed through our taps, hailed as an invisible protector of our teeth. But what if the chemical you've long trusted is something you'd rather not consume? Emerging research may bolster that skepticism. A systematic review published in Environmental Research in February found a troubling link between excessive fluoride exposure and thyroid issues, while a 2016 report from the National Toxicology Program raised alarms about fluoride's potential to lower IQ in children.
These findings gained even more weight in September when a federal judge ordered the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to take regulatory action on fluoride. Citing evidence that fluoridated water at 0.7 mg/L may pose an unreasonable risk to children under the Toxic Substances Control Act, the court stopped short of mandating specific measures but left the EPA "obliged to act."
Fluoride is an industrial waste associated with arthritis, bone fractures, bone cancer, IQ loss, neurodevelopmental disorders, and thyroid disease. Regardless of your political affiliation, you must realize that many households have decided to take matters into their own hands and are not waiting for the government. Below are some of the most popular methods for reducing fluoride exposure at home.
Reverse Osmosis Systems
Reverse osmosis systems are a powerful solution, capable of filtering out up to 90 percent of fluoride and other contaminants through a semipermeable membrane. This high-efficiency system forces water through a tight barrier, leaving impurities behind. Experts have noted that modern RO systems are durable, requiring minimal maintenance while consistently lowering fluoride levels.
However, no system is without its drawbacks. It used to be that RO systems were wasteful, producing up to 8 gallons of wastewater for every gallon of clean water. Now, with modern technology, many systems can waste just 1 gallon for every 3 or 4 gallons made. They also strip away beneficial minerals, which may need to be reintroduced for health and taste. However, water is generally not a significant source of minerals. Despite these downsides, point-of-use RO systems remain an attractive option, often priced under $1,000, making them a cost-effective solution for areas with higher fluoride contamination. For those seeking whole-house Reverse Osmosis Filtration, more comprehensive systems can run upwards of $15,000.
Activated Alumina Filters
For those looking for a simpler, countertop solution, activated alumina filters offer an alternative. Using aluminum oxide, these filters can remove up to 97 percent of fluoride. However, they come with their own risks, such as the potential release of small amounts of aluminum into the water which can lead to other diseases such as Alzheimer’s.
Bone Char Filters
Another option comes in the form of bone char filters, which harness the natural properties of animal bones to absorb fluoride and other harmful contaminants. These filters raise a thought-provoking question: if animal bones can trap fluoride so effectively, what might the impact of fluoride be on our own bones? Studies suggest a link between high fluoride levels in drinking water and increased rates of bone fractures in children, particularly in the arm and elbow.
Ion Exchange Systems
Ion exchange systems offer another method, swapping fluoride ions for less harmful ones, like chloride. While effective, these systems come with environmental concerns, specifically the plastic resin beads used in the process, which contribute to plastic waste. As filters age, they can release microplastics and concentrated fluoride back into the water, making frequent filter replacements necessary and costly.
Even if you've been exposed to fluoride, it's never too late to take action. Being mindful of hidden sources of fluoride in your diet, such as certain teas, processed foods, and even some medications, can help reduce overall intake. Additionally, switching to fluoride-free toothpaste and dental products is a simple way to lower your exposure.
Boosting key nutrients in your diet can also help counter fluoride's effects on the body, particularly iodine, calcium, and magnesium. Iodine supports thyroid health, calcium binds to fluoride and reduces its absorption in bones, and magnesium helps balance these two minerals. A well-rounded, wholefood diet can offer these nutrients, though supplements can also be considered.
However, fluoride is just one of many public health problems in the water supply. We also have chlorine, chloramine, PFAS (PFOA), and a variety of other chemicals. Happily, US Water Systems is simply the best solution to these water problems. If you are not sure what you might need, call one of our Certified Water Specialists today.
Mark Timmons is the Chairman of US Water Systems, located in Greater Indianapolis, Indiana and is a Master Water Specialist. He has been a recognized water expert for over 53 years.
OVERRULED! Federal Judge Orders EPA to Act on Fluoride! – What It Means for the Water You Drink and Your Home
Water fluoridation has been a cornerstone of public health policy in the United States for decades, hailed as a cost-effective way to prevent tooth decay. However, recent research and a landmark federal court ruling have shifted the narrative, exposing the risks of fluoride in drinking water and forcing a reckoning for water treatment professionals and communities alike. At US Water Systems, we’re here to explain what this means, the challenges water treatment experts have faced, and why American-made reverse osmosis systems are the ultimate solution for protecting your home from fluoride, forever chemicals, microplastics, and more.
The Tipping Point: Research on Fluoride’s Risks Goes Mainstream
Fluoride has been added to public water supplies since the 1940s, aiming to strengthen teeth and reduce cavities. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) even named water fluoridation one of the top public health achievements of the 20th century. However, over the past 15 years, a growing body of high-quality scientific research has raised serious concerns about fluoride’s neurotoxic effects, particularly on developing brains.
Studies, including those reviewed by the National Toxicology Program (NTP), have linked higher fluoride exposure to lower IQ in children, especially when pregnant mothers are exposed. Research from Canada, Mexico, and other regions has shown consistent associations between fluoride levels in drinking water and cognitive deficits. Despite these findings, federal agencies like the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) long resisted calls to reassess fluoridation, citing outdated safety claims.
This institutional inertia frustrated public health advocates and water treatment professionals, who saw the evidence mounting but struggled to shift public perception. The turning point came in September 2024, when a federal court in California ruled that the EPA must strengthen regulations on fluoride in drinking water. The court found that fluoridation at the current “optimal” level of 0.7 milligrams per liter poses an “unreasonable risk” of reduced IQ in children, requiring regulatory action under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA). This historic ruling marked the first time a court ordered the EPA to address fluoride’s risks, validating years of research and advocacy.
The Predicament for Water Treatment Professionals
The fluoride debate has been a professional and ethical tightrope for water treatment experts. On the one hand, they’ve been aware of federal and local mandates to add fluoride to water supplies, following guidelines set by the CDC and EPA. On the other hand, many have been aware of the emerging research linking fluoride to health risks, particularly for vulnerable populations like infants and pregnant women.
Convincing communities to remove fluoride has been an uphill battle. Public trust in fluoridation runs deep, reinforced by decades of messaging from health authorities. Water treatment professionals often faced skepticism or outright resistance when raising concerns, with opponents of fluoridation historically dismissed as conspiracy theorists. The lack of regulatory support left experts in a bind: How do you advocate for safer water when the government mandates a practice that science increasingly questions?
The recent court ruling has been a relief for many in the industry. It validates their concerns and shifts the burden of proof onto the EPA to address fluoride’s risks. For water treatment professionals, this mainstream acknowledgment means they can now openly discuss filtration solutions without fear of being labeled alarmist. It’s a turning point that aligns science, policy, and public health in a way that prioritizes safety.
What the Ruling Means for Your Water
The court’s order doesn’t immediately end water fluoridation, but it requires the EPA to initiate rulemaking to address the risks. This could lead to stricter limits, warnings, or even a ban on adding fluoride to drinking water. In the meantime, four water systems, including Salt Lake City’s, have already stopped or suspended fluoridation, signaling a shift in local policy.
The key takeaway from this ruling is the importance of controlling the water quality of your household. Fluoride isn’t the only concern in tap water – forever chemicals (PFAS), microplastics, and other contaminants pose ongoing risks. While public water systems work through regulatory changes, you don’t have to wait to protect your family. The best way to ensure clean, safe water is with a high-quality filtration system, that’s where American-made reverse osmosis systems shine.
Why American-Made Reverse Osmosis Systems Are the Solution
Reverse osmosis is one of the most effective technologies for removing fluoride, forever chemicals, microplastics, and a broad range of contaminants from your water. Here’s why it’s the gold standard for home filtration:
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Comprehensive Contaminant Removal: RO systems use a semipermeable membrane with tiny pores (as small as 0.0001 microns) to filter out up to 99% of contaminants, including fluoride, PFAS, microplastics, lead, arsenic, and more. Unlike pitcher filters or basic carbon filters, RO tackles complex pollutants that other systems can’t handle.
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Proven Fluoride Reduction: Studies show RO systems can remove 95% or more of fluoride, making them ideal for addressing the concerns raised in recent research. This is critical for families with young children or pregnant women, who are most at risk from fluoride’s neurotoxic effects.
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American-Made Quality: At US Water Systems, our RO systems are proudly made in the USA, ensuring top-notch craftsmanship and reliability. You can trust that your system is built to last and meets rigorous safety standards.
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Better Taste and Peace of Mind: By removing impurities, RO delivers cleaner, better-tasting water for drinking, cooking, and more. It’s an investment in your health and peace of mind, especially in light of evolving water quality concerns.
While RO systems remove nearly all contaminants, they also strip water of beneficial minerals. That’s why many of our systems offer remineralization options, adding back essential minerals like calcium and magnesium for balanced, great-tasting, and healthy water.
Take Control of Your Water Today
The fluoride tipping point is a wake-up call for all of us. Water treatment professionals are finally seeing their concerns validated, and households have more reason than ever to prioritize water quality. With American-made reverse osmosis systems from US Water Systems, you can remove fluoride, forever chemicals, microplastics, and more – ensuring your water is safe and pure.
Don’t wait for regulations to catch up. Protect your family now with a trusted RO system. Visit uswatersystems.com to explore our range of American-made filtration solutions and find the perfect fit for your home. Clean water starts here – and we’re here to help every step of the way.
Luke Timmons is the VP of Sales for US Water Systems, located in Greater Indianapolis, Indiana and is also a Master Water Specialist. He has been a recognized water expert for over 20 years.