All articles tagged with #water system
Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz rejected President Trump’s unfounded assertion that Minnesota was behind recent water-system cyberattacks, saying there’s no proven Minnesota link while officials consider Iran a possible source; investigators have not confirmed a culprit, and the attacks did not affect water quality in more than 30 communities.
An immunocompromised patient at the Atlanta VA Health Care System died after testing positive for Legionella. The facility sampled the patient’s room and a nearby ice machine; routine water-system testing on the seventh floor had been negative for two years. Other patients were relocated, the area disinfected, and investigators consulted federal health agencies. There are no active Legionella cases reported at the facility.
Two patients have died at St. Joseph’s Medical Center in Paterson, New Jersey, after contracting Legionnaires' disease from the hospital's water system, which was found to contain Legionella bacteria. The hospital has taken extensive measures to disinfect the water system and is monitoring the situation, with no additional cases reported. The incident highlights ongoing risks of Legionella in healthcare settings, especially for vulnerable populations.
Health officials in NYC are investigating a Bronx apartment complex after two residents tested positive for Legionnaires' disease, linked to bacteria growing in the building's hot water system, amid a broader outbreak affecting Harlem with multiple deaths and illnesses. The city is working on extensive remediation and advising residents on safety measures.
The Minnesota Department of Health has identified parts of the city water system in Grand Rapids as the source of a Legionnaires' disease outbreak, with 14 cases identified since last April. Health officials urge those experiencing symptoms of pneumonia to seek medical attention promptly, as most cases can be treated with antibiotics. The Grand Rapids Public Utilities is working on a plan to flush and disinfect the water system, and is considering adding chlorination to the previously unchlorinated system. Residents are advised to take steps to reduce the risk of waterborne diseases, especially those at increased risk of infection and severe illness.
The Department of Health has identified the water system in Grand Rapids as the likely source of the Legionnaires' outbreak, with 14 confirmed cases since April 2023. Legionella bacteria, found in water, is the cause of this serious pneumonia, and likely case exposures have been geographically clustered in specific areas. The local water utility is working with health authorities to address the situation, with plans for additional water sampling and potential installation of a chlorination system to reduce the risk of Legionella.
The Minnesota Department of Health has identified the municipal water system as the source of an ongoing Legionnaires' disease outbreak in Grand Rapids, with 14 reported cases and 11 hospitalizations since April 2023. Water samples from two buildings tested positive for Legionella bacteria, which is believed to have been inhaled through water mist from showers and faucets. Efforts are underway to remedy the water system and reduce the risk of Legionella, with consideration given to installing a chlorination system. Symptoms of Legionnaires' disease include fever, cough, and shortness of breath, and the disease cannot be spread from person to person or through drinking infected water.
Two guests who recently stayed at the Renaissance Newark Airport Hotel in New Jersey have been diagnosed with Legionnaires’ disease, prompting the hotel to issue a warning to recent guests about potential symptoms. Testing revealed the presence of Legionella bacteria in the hotel’s water system, although it is unclear whether the hotel is the source of the bacteria that caused the illnesses.
Law enforcement agencies are investigating whether social media rumors about a potential water outage prompted people to quickly fill bathtubs with tap water in Mississippi’s capital, causing a drop in pressure that temporarily made faucets run dry for thousands of customers. JXN Water, the private corporation overseeing Jackson’s water system, blamed a "deliberate misinformation campaign" for the spike in demand. The organization did not specify which law enforcement agencies are involved or what charges might be brought if people are found to have spread false information on social media. The latest disruption in Jackson water service came a week after Mississippi health officials issued and then quickly lifted a health advisory after tests identified E. coli in the water supplies of Jackson and a suburb.
MLGW and TVA have lifted the voluntary request for energy conservation during freezing temperatures, citing the good performance of their systems. MLGW CEO Doug McGowen noted a record high demand across the TVA system but stated that conservation methods across the Tennessee Valley worked. Customers are still advised to drip their faucets and protect their pipes during freezing temperatures.
Lawmakers in Pennsylvania are demanding action after a cyberattack targeted the Municipal Water Authority of Aliquippa. The attack, claimed by an anti-Israel, Iranian-backed group called "Cyber Av3ngers," disabled a monitor used to regulate water pressure but did not disrupt service. Federal investigators from the Department of Homeland Security are now involved, and Pennsylvania Senators Bob Casey and John Fetterman have joined Congressman Chris Deluzio in calling for a full federal investigation and prosecution of those responsible. Concerns are raised about the vulnerability of critical infrastructure, particularly in poorer communities, and the need for increased funding to enhance security measures.
The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has identified significant deficiencies in the public water system of Duluth, Minnesota, following an inspection in August. The areas of concern range from maintenance and emergency contingencies to security issues. The EPA letter highlights various deficiencies, including corrosion, lack of inspections, and inadequate infrastructure. The city's Public Works and Utilities department has acknowledged the report and stated that the quality of the drinking water supply is not affected. They will address the issues outlined in the report and respond to the EPA's request within ten days.
A short-term resident at the County Meadows retirement community in Bethlehem Township has tested positive for Legionnaires' disease, a rare form of pneumonia caused by the Legionella bacteria. The disease is spread through water distribution lines in building plumbing. The retirement community has hired a water management company to conduct tests on its water system, and in the meantime, residents in the affected building have been advised not to drink tap water or use it for hygiene purposes. Bottled water is being provided, and specialized filters are being installed for safe showers. The source of the bacteria is currently unknown.