The bill amends the existing 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 that mandated the control of fluoride levels by water system owners, and the insertion of a provision that permits public water system boards to elect to prohibit fluoridation. This amendment reflects a shift towards local governance in public health decisions related to water quality.

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