Legionella Found in CA State Building Water

A waterborne bacteria capable of causing pneumonia, identified as Legionella, has been detected in the tap water of a California state government building. This facility, home to the Department of Industrial Relations in Lodi, is currently undergoing disinfection and cleaning of its plumbing systems. The bacteria, which naturally occurs in freshwater and can thrive in man-made plumbing, was found shortly after Governor Gavin Newsom's July 1 order for state workers to return to their offices.

The union representing state employees has stressed that workplaces must be safe for returning staff, stating, "If the State is going to force workers back into the office, it has a responsibility to make those workplaces safe." The building's owners have been notified and are coordinating corrective actions with the state. The union is also monitoring other state buildings for past Legionella issues to ensure worker safety.

Legionella can cause Legionnaires' disease, a severe lung infection, though it is treatable with antibiotics and not typically spread person-to-person. Recent outbreaks have also been reported in New York City and at a medical center in Santa Clara, California, where at least 18 people were infected.