Legionella bacteria found in water in at least six federal buildings

Contaminated water with elevated levels of Legionella bacteria has been found in at least six federal government buildings open to the public, though the problem is likely more widespread, a new watchdog report claims. 

Investigators pointed to the COVID-19 pandemic as part of the problem, claiming that teleworking left buildings operating at less than capacity and that fewer people in the buildings meant less water being flushed in the pipes, which led to stagnant water and created near-perfect breeding conditions for the bacteria.

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The highest levels of bacteria were found and flagged in Detroit, Chicago, Utah, Nebraska, Oregon, and New York State. The buildings are either owned or operated by the General Services Administration’s Public Buildings Service. Among those noted in the report include an IRS service center that employs thousands of federal workers, a day care center, and a post office in Chicago. 

The GSA doesn’t mandate testing the water supply in the 6,500 buildings it leases, but it does have protocols in place for testing non-potable water in government-owned buildings. The GSA also doesn’t have rules on testing potable water systems, something the watchdog suggested should be changed. 

“PBS must take immediate action to address the risk of Legionella contamination in water systems across its owned and leased buildings,” the inspector general said in the 11-page summary of its findings. “In addressing this issue, PBS must improve its testing requirements for Legionella and strengthen contract and lease oversight.”

In one of the buildings, inspectors found Legionella levels to be 640 times higher than what the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention considered to be “uncontrolled,” meaning they required immediate corrective action.

Legionella bacteria causes a type of pneumonia called Legionnaires’ disease. The bacteria is normally present in water (it’s common in freshwater sources like lakes and streams) but becomes dangerous when it’s allowed to multiply, which is what likely took place in government-owned and leased buildings.

Legionnaires’ disease is the leading cause of waterborne disease outbreaks in the country and affects between 52,000 and 70,000 people every year. The disease can be caused when someone breathes in water droplets containing the bacteria or if the contaminated water enters their lungs while drinking. Those who are older than 50, smoke or used to smoke, have a chronic disease or a weakened immune system are at increased risk for Legionnaires’ disease, according to the report.

In response, the GSA said it is testing water at larger federal buildings more regularly and said it was considering providing bottled water to employees at affected buildings or may temporarily close a building if necessary.

“Consistent with the Office of Inspector General’s findings, GSA is now increasing water flushing and testing plans across our large facilities and is also increasing testing requirements for water quality while strengthening contract and lease oversight,” the agency said in a statement.

On Aug. 30, 2023, PBS received a water test report that confirmed elevated levels of Legionella at the Lewiston Bridge Land Port of Entry facility in Lewiston, New York. The bacteria was detected in a break room, restrooms, and locker rooms, including several shower areas. The water tests were conducted after an employee who worked at the facility was diagnosed with Legionnaires’ disease. PBS hired an industrial hygiene company to conduct water tests on Aug. 17, 2023, after the lessor refused to conduct tests of their own. The report found that the bacteria “likely formed in the building’s piping system.”

On Aug. 14-15, 2023, PBS notified building tenants at the North Platte Federal Building in Nebraska that test results showed that the water quality failed to meet drinking water standards for Legionella. The bacteria was detected in a staff lounge, multiple break rooms, and a bathroom. A PBS notification dated Aug. 18, 2023, also provided tenants with the remediation steps it was taking, which included shocking the building’s water system with disinfectant and flushing it numerous times.

An Aug. 3, 2023, test at the John C. Kluczynski Federal Building and U.S. Post Office in Chicago showed levels of Legionella above CDC-recommended thresholds. The Legionella was detected in a rooftop cooling tower and two hot water tanks.

On July 26, 2023, PBS notified building tenants of the detection of Legionella in two water fountains in Utah. The notification stated that “the sampling is part of a regular preventative maintenance program.” Test results returned on July 18, 2023, stated that slightly elevated levels of Legionella were found in two water fountains. According to the notification, the two water fountains were closed and sealed and the plumbing system was flushed and retested.

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PBS informed tenants at a Michigan Avenue federal building in Detroit that it would be closing its doors after results from a water quality test showed elevated levels of metal and bacteria in the drinking water. The water results also “showed Legionella in the roof’s cooling tower, the first-floor detention holding facility, a suite, and kitchenettes on two different floors.” Follow-up samples taken on July 26-27 continued to show elevated levels of Legionella in the detention holding facility, the report said.

The GSA owns 1,600 federal buildings and leases space in more than 6,500 others nationwide.