Hillsboro’s voters have spoken again on the issue of water fluoridation, with the latest advisory vote rejecting it. Although not legally binding, over 44,000 citizens participated in the 2024 General Election. Preliminary results show that 58% of voters (25,583 people) opposed adding fluoride to the water, while 42% (18,448 voters) were in favor, according to theCity of Hillsboro’s official website.
The push for this advisory vote began in 2023 when a pro-fluoridation group planned to place a measure on the November 2024 ballot. In response, the Utility Commission advised the City Council to consider the community’s opinion. The City Council will revisit the decision on December 10. It s unclear whether they will follow the advisory vote s results, but Hillsboro has been divided over fluoridation since the 1950s.
Fluoridation, which aims to combat tooth decay, is suggested at a level of 0.7 milligrams per liter by agencies like the EPA, the CDC, and the Oregon Health Authority. Despite the scientific backing, Hillsboro has repeatedly wrestled with this public health initiative, outright rejecting it in a special election after initially passing it in 1952. Since then, despite various rallying cries for fluoridation over the decades, no formal initiative made it onto the ballot until now.
As it stands within the city, the Hillsboro Water Department provides non-fluoridated water to residents located to the city’s west and south ends while the Tualatin Valley Water District supplies fluoridated water to other areas. These geographic discrepancies in water treatment practices reflect a community divided, pondering over whether to wholly embrace a public health standard or to maintain their distinct course, independent of external advisories and trends.
This recent vote is about more than health and infrastructure; it continues a debate that has lasted over seventy years. It s not just about fluoride levels and dental health, but also about Hillsboro s ongoing struggle with issues of autonomy, science, and community values. For more information on the fluoridation issue and affected areas, the city has provided resources in the Utilities Commission’s May 14, meeting packet.
Note: Thank you for visiting our website! We strive to keep you informed with the latest updates based on expected timelines, although please note that we are not affiliated with any official bodies. Our team is committed to ensuring accuracy and transparency in our reporting, verifying all information before publication. We aim to bring you reliable news, and if you have any questions or concerns about our content, feel free to reach out to us via email. We appreciate your trust and support!
Leave a Reply