Bacteria that causes Legionnaires disease found in Central Jersey water
Legionella, the bacteria that causes Legionnaires disease, has been found in water supplies from homes throughout Central Jersey, the New Jersey Department of Health announced Saturday.
The bacteria was found in more than half of the 30 homes sampled in September, including homes in Trenton, Ewing, and parts of Lawrence and Hopewell Township. All the homes were served by Trenton Water Works.
This investigation started when Legionnaires disease was previously detected in Hamilton Township, with five cases including one death reported since December 2021. The most recent case was reported to health in September 2022.
Legionnaires disease is a type of pneumonia that people can get after breathing in aerosolized water (small droplets of water in the air) containing Legionella bacteria. Individuals cannot get Legionnaires disease by drinking water that has Legionella.
It is unknown if individuals with Legionella detected in their homes are more likely to develop Legionnaires disease. While it is rare for a healthy person who is exposed to Legionella to become sick with Legionnaires disease, people who are 50 years or older, especially those who smoke, or have weakened immune systems, chronic lung disease or other chronic health conditions, are at increased risk.
The New Jersey Department of Health found of significant concerns with Trenton Water Works operations and management, including intermittent failures to fully maintain treatment processes, monitor water quality, employ adequately trained operating personnel, and invest in required maintenance and capital needs such as upgrades to aging infrastructure.
Governor Phil Murphy and New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection Shawn M. LaTourette issued a Unilateral Administrative Order that aims to improve routine operations and maintenance, as well as resolving immediate capital needs, according to a news release.
The state Department of Health is urging residents and building owners who receive water from Trenton Water Works to take actions to reduce the risk of Legionella growth in their household and building plumbing.
To decrease risk of Legionella exposure, health officials suggest avoiding high-risk activities (hot tubs, decorative fountains and power washing), cleaning or replacing shower heads and faucet screens whenever buildup is visible, keep water heater settings to at least 120 degrees, and routinely flush sinks and shower taps.
Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to NJ.com.
Jeremy Schneider may be reached at jschneider@njadvancemedia.com and followed on Twitter at @J_Schneider.
