Port Angeles decides not to put fluoride question on ballot

PORT ANGELES, Wash. (AP) — The Port Angeles City Council has decided against asking voters in November whether the city should stop adding fluoride to the city's water system.

The Peninsula Daily News says the council decided Tuesday that it would be too difficult to get ballots to customers of the Clallam Public Utility District who drink the Port Angeles' drinking water.

The council decided instead to informally poll residents, including unregistered voters, and businesses on the issue.

The city's 10-year fluoridation contract with the Washington State Dental Foundation expires in May.

Most Americans get fluoridated water. Supporters say it reduces tooth decay and benefits those who do not have regular access to dental care.

Opponents raised public health concerns and the city shouldn't be making that decision for people.