The bill amends the law regarding public water systems in Arkansas, specifically addressing the fluoridation of water. It allows the board of a public water system the authority to prohibit the fluoridation of the water it supplies. This change is significant as it provides local boards with the discretion to decide whether or not to add fluoride to the water, which has been a topic of public health debate.

The specific legal language changes include the deletion of a previous requirement and the insertion of new provisions. The amendment clarifies that while the entity controlling the water system must maintain fluoride levels as established by the Department of Health, the board of a public water system now has the option to elect against fluoridation altogether. This shift empowers local governance in public health decisions related to water quality.

Statutes affected:
SB 474: 20-7-136(b)