How a Nova Scotia town quietly decided to stop fluoridating its water

In the days leading up to New Glasgow town council releasing a staff report on whether to continue fluoridating its water, internal emails revealed that the town’s supervisor of water treatment and supply was sharing documentation from anti-fluoride sources. The documents had file names such as “50 Reasons to Oppose Fluoridation” and “WHAT ABOUT THE FLUORIDE IN OUR WATER.” One of the documents referred to fluoride as a “harmful substance” and claimed that more people had died from cancer connected with fluoridation in the last thirty years than all military deaths in the history of the United States.

The records obtained by CBC News through a freedom of information request showed that these documents were shared with Audrey Buchanan, the town’s assistant director of engineering and public works. She authored a staff report recommending that the town discontinue fluoridating its water. The report, dated Sept. 6, 2024, included documents from the Fluoride Action Network, an anti-fluoride group, but did not include any documents from Public Health or dental association sources.

Despite the scientific evidence supporting water fluoridation as a measure to protect public health, the town council voted at a meeting on Sept. 16 to discontinue fluoridation. The decision was based on the staff report, which estimated annual savings of around $20,000 for the community. New Glasgow had been fluoridating its water since 1975, and the practice only stopped at the end of March 2025 when the town used up its supply of fluoride.

Dr. Gerry Uswak, a dentistry practitioner and professor at the University of Saskatchewan, reviewed the staff report and questioned the science behind the decision. He emphasized the importance of making decisions based on good science rather than bad science. Uswak highlighted that the staff report lacked conclusive evidence to support the health benefits of fluoride in drinking water.

The staff report referenced a controversial 2024 study linking high fluoride consumption to lower IQs in children. However, this study was criticized by the American Dental Association for its unorthodox research methods. Additionally, the report did not mention discredited studies, such as one by Dr. Dean Burk, which claimed a link between fluoridation and cancer rates.

Buchanan, the author of the staff report, stated that the decision to discontinue fluoridation was driven by safety concerns raised by water treatment plant operators. She emphasized that the town’s expertise lies in providing safe drinking water and not in making health decisions.

Graham Gagnon, a water quality and treatment expert, highlighted that fluoride is just one of several chemicals added to water supplies. He emphasized the importance of following safety protocols when working with fluoride and other chemicals.

The decision to stop fluoridating the water was made without consulting Public Health or dental associations. When the province learned of the decision, it provided information and advice to the town, emphasizing the importance of water fluoridation in preventing dental caries.

Despite the decision, some residents, such as Phyllis Glenn, a retired registered nurse, disagreed with the council’s choice. Glenn credited water fluoridation with improving her dental health and expressed concern about potential health issues that may arise from discontinuing fluoridation.

Community water fluoridation is especially beneficial for marginalized communities, according to Uswak. Removing fluoridation disadvantages those at the highest risk for dental disease. He stressed the importance of considering the impact on vulnerable populations when making decisions about water fluoridation.

In conclusion, the decision to discontinue water fluoridation in New Glasgow sparked debates about the scientific evidence supporting the practice and the potential health implications for the community. The town council’s choice to rely on anti-fluoride sources and internal safety concerns raised questions about the decision-making process and the impact on public health. As the town moves forward without fluoridating its water, it will be essential to monitor the effects on dental health and consider the well-being of all residents.