Bozeman Group Calls for Ending Water Fluoridation

BOZEMAN, Mont. (AP) — A citizen's group in Bozeman is circulating a petition that calls on the city to stop adding fluoride to the drinking water.

One of the group's leaders, Derek Grotheer, says fluoride is toxic and high levels can be harmful. The group is seeking a public vote.

Health officials tell the Bozeman Daily Chronicle that the value of fluoride in the water has clearly been proven as the cheapest, easiest way to prevent tooth decay, especially in children.

Gallatin County Health Officer Matt Kelley says there is not much disagreement among people who examine the facts and the science.

Bozeman water treatment facilities superintendent Rick Moroney says the city puts 1 part fluoride per million parts water into its tap water, the amount recommended by federal health officials.