The mayors in Tecumseh and LaSalle are not seeing eye-to-eye when it comes to fluoride in drinking water.
Monday night, Windsor City Council voted 8-3 in favour of reintroducing fluoride to the city's water supply.
Windsor provides water to Tecumseh and LaSalle and one of those municipalities must agree with the city in order for fluoride to be added to the water.
Speaking on AM800's the Lynn Martin Show, Tecumseh Mayor Gary McNamara believes science supports adding fluoride to the water.
"The increase [in cavities] in the last five years has gone up dramatically and if that doesn't send a warning or red flag, then I don't know what will," says McNamara.
McNamara adds it is also a social justice issue because some families living in poverty must decide between buying food or tooth paste.
But LaSalle Mayor Marc Bondy doesn't think it should be in the water because fluoride is available at the dentist.
"If we are going to get fluoride treatment from your dentist, great. I have that done, but as far as drinking it, what is it doing for the rest of your body," he says. "In our town from what I received, it is a 50-50 response, some saying yes I want it and others are saying no I don't want it."
A report from the local health unit has found children with tooth decay or in need of urgent care is up by 51% in the past five years, when fluoride was removed from the water although some point out there is not a direct link between the two.
Councils in Tecumseh and LaSalle are expected to vote on the issue in the new year.
Bringing back fluoride will cost about $850,000.