Water Systems Cleared in State Offices, But Concerns Persist in Court Buildings
The State Center complex in Baltimore, home to several state agencies, has now been cleared of dangerous Legionella bacteria, following an extensive effort by state officials to test and flush the water systems. The announcement, made on Friday, brought relief to employees working in the complex after months of uncertainty regarding the safety of their drinking water.
Eric Solomon, communications director for the Maryland Department of General Services, confirmed that the last building affected by the bacteria, located at 301 W. Preston Street, has now been cleared. “The 301 W. Preston St. building is now cleared of Legionella bacteria. So all buildings in the State Center complex are within normal limits,” Solomon stated in an email. However, he noted that water testing will continue to ensure the safety of the remaining systems.
Legionella Detected in Multiple Buildings
The Legionella outbreak in the State Center complex began in November, when testing revealed harmful levels of the bacteria in the water supply of four buildings. This complex, which hosts key state agencies such as General Services, Health, and Labor, was immediately placed under heightened scrutiny.
Following the initial discovery, several rounds of water testing and pipe flushing were conducted, and employees were advised to work remotely for a short period. Bottled water was provided in the interim to ensure their safety. Despite the extensive cleanup effort, concerns over water safety led to further tests in additional buildings, including those housing Baltimore’s District Court.
The outbreak has sparked concern not only about public health but also about the broader issue of workplace safety. Members of the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees Council 3 (AFSCME) voiced their concerns, claiming that this was just the latest in a series of health and safety issues in state-run buildings.
Union Voices Support for Progress
The state’s swift action in addressing the Legionella outbreak has been met with cautious optimism from AFSCME. The union, which represents state employees, had expressed alarm over the unsafe conditions at State Center.
“We are happy to see these results and are appreciative of the efforts to flush the pipes and remediate the situation,” said union officials in a statement issued on Friday. “The health and safety of our members will always be our top priority, and we will continue to monitor and remain vigilant regarding our members’ health and safety needs.”
Legionella is a bacteria commonly found in water systems, particularly in plumbing and air conditioning systems. When inhaled through contaminated water vapor, it can lead to severe respiratory illness, including pneumonia. Although there have been no reported illnesses among employees at State Center, the presence of the bacteria raised alarms due to its potential to cause widespread harm.
Testing Continues in Court Buildings
While the State Center complex has now been cleared, the situation remains unresolved for employees in two Baltimore District Court buildings, which are still awaiting test results for Legionella. The buildings, located at 5800 Wabash Avenue, were found to have the bacteria in recent tests, and state officials are currently in the process of conducting water tests and flushing the pipes to prevent any potential exposure.
It is unclear when the test results for these buildings will be available, but state officials have assured the public that they are taking immediate steps to mitigate any risks. Employees working in the District Court buildings have been provided with bottled water in the meantime, and water restrictions remain in place until the testing is completed.
Ensuring Public Health and Workplace Safety
The Legionella outbreak at State Center and the District Court buildings highlights the ongoing need for vigilance in maintaining the health and safety of public facilities. While the immediate crisis has been averted in the State Center complex, the situation in the District Court buildings underscores the importance of continued water testing and system maintenance to protect both employees and visitors.
Despite these setbacks, Solomon from the Department of General Services expressed confidence in the measures taken so far: “We continue to work diligently to address any concerns and ensure the safety of our state employees and the public.”
With water restrictions lifted at State Center and testing ongoing in the District Court buildings, Maryland officials are working to restore confidence in the safety of public buildings in Baltimore. However, the situation remains fluid, and continued oversight will be necessary to ensure the protection of public health moving forward.
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