Erie Water Survey
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  • Survey ends October 20th, 2025
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Water is life

As human-beings, we are primarily water, and the quality of our water impacts our health, environment, and community. ErieWaterSurvey.com is dedicated to understanding the perspectives of Erie County, PA, residents on our water resources: from our cherished Lake Erie, Presque Isle Bay, and local creeks, streams, ponds, and tributaries to the water flowing through our pipes to homes, hospitals, and businesses via Erie Water Works

FLUORIDE Revisited

Erie County, PA, faces many critical water issues, but we are starting with a pressing topic: water fluoridation. Following a recent landmark court ruling, fluoridation has reemerged as a key public health and environmental debate. Our initial goal is to gauge Erie County residents' views fairly and foster constructive and civil dialogue

Interested in learning more about the EPA court case?

The below document is a federal court opinion in the case Food & Water Watch, Inc. et al. v. EPA et al. (Case No. 17-cv-2162), in which the court rules that the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) must reconsider its denial of a petition to ban the addition of fluoride to drinking water under the Toxic Substances Control Act. The court found that the plaintiffs presented sufficient evidence that fluoride poses an unreasonable risk to human health, particularly neurodevelopmental harm in children, and ordered the EPA to reevaluate fluoride regulation.
Court Orders EPA to Address Fluoride Risks in Drinking Water
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Article 1 ~ Section 27 ~ PA Constitution

§ 27.  NATURAL RESOURCES AND THE PUBLIC ESTATE   
    
The people have a right to clean air, pure water, and to the preservation of the natural, scenic, historic and esthetic values of the environment. Pennsylvania's public natural resources are the common property of all the people, including generations yet to come. As trustee of these resources, the Commonwealth shall conserve and maintain them for the benefit of all the people.

What Happened?

In 2001-2002, Erie County engaged in a spirited debate over whether to fluoridate public water. Proponents, including dentists and community leaders, argued for its dental health benefits. Opponents, including civil rights activists and environmental advocates, raised concerns about potential health risks and individual choice. Both sides passionately voiced their views at City Council and Erie Water Authority meetings.

Despite multiple City Council votes against fluoridation, the Mayor vetoed and an override was one vote shy. A proposed ballot question to let voters decide was dismissed, as was a lawsuit by the City Council. Ultimately, the appointed Erie Water Authority Board voted in favor of fluoridation.

We believe civil discourse is a pillar of a vibrant community. Please take a few minutes to share your knowledge and perspectives through this survey. Your input will help shape meaningful conversations about Erie County's water.

Erie Water Survey

Do you use water provided by Erie Water Works at any of the following locations?
What type of water do you primarily drink?
Were you aware that fluoride is added to Erie Water Works tap water to promote stronger teeth?
Are you aware of the total amount Erie Water Works has invested in water fluoridation through customer funds and grants since 2002?
Are you concerned about potential health or environmental issues related to water fluoridation by Erie Water Works?
Are you aware of the source of the fluoride used by Erie Water Works in water fluoridation?
Do you believe Erie Water Works customers should have a choice about whether their water is fluoridated?
Do you think Erie Water Works should divert funds from water fluoridation to other dental health initiatives?
Do you believe it is in your best interest for Erie Water Works to fluoridate the water?
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