A bacteria that causes a serious form of pneumonia was found in tap water at a state office building in Lodi, a union representing California government workers said Thursday.
Water at a Department of Industrial Relations office on Reynolds Ranch Parkway tested positive last month for Legionella bacteria, which can cause a severe lung infection known as Legionnaires’ disease, the Service Employees International Union Local 1000 said in a press release Tuesday.
A DIR spokesperson confirmed by email Friday that the department has detected bacteria “commonly found in building water systems” at its Lodi office, but didn’t confirm if the bacteria were Legionella.
DIR told Abridged that the organisms found in Lodi were indeed Legionella, the outlet reported.
Symptoms of Legionnaires’ disease include high fever, cough, diarrhea and confusion. You can contract Legionnaires’ by breathing in mist containing Legionella, but not by drinking water containing the bacteria, according to the Cleveland Clinic. Those with symptoms should immediately contact their doctor.
The Lodi case appeared on a long list of alleged hazards, including bed bugs and asbestos, that state workers have reported at government offices across California, SEIU stated.
The union represents nearly 100,000 state workers, and is currently negotiating a new contract with the state after the last one expired June 30.
SEIU’s press push on office safety also comes as many state workers return to in-person work following Gov. Gavin Newsom’s executive order, broadly criticized by state employees, requiring California agencies to make at least four days of in-person work standard.
“These reports of hazardous work conditions come as SEIU Local 1000 continues its fight for a strong union contract that addresses fair pay, affordable health care and safe, telework options,” SEIU stated.
Of the offices SEIU said were affected, Lodi was the only one located outside of Sacramento.
San Joaquin County Public Health Services and the county’s Environmental Health Services “have no information or knowledge of any case or detection of Legionella at DIR,” county spokesperson Katie Piper said via email.
DIR is coordinating with the Lodi office’s property manager to remediate the bacteria, department spokesperson Katherine Wzorek said by email.
“Remediation may include disinfecting and flushing plumbing fixtures, adjusting hot water temperatures, and conducting routine flushing of the building’s water system,” Wzorek said.
She didn’t immediately respond when asked how many state employees work at the Lodi office.
Most people exposed to Legionella don’t get Legionnaires’ disease, according to the Cleveland Clinic. But those who smoke, are over 50, or have a weakened immune system or certain other conditions face higher risk. Legionnaires’ is not contagious.