04-04-2025
Legionella bacteria found at Cuyahoga County Justice Center: I-Team
CLEVELAND (WJW) – Cuyahoga County officials confirm that the presence of Legionella bacteria was detected in portions of the Justice Center.
Officials said Friday the affected areas include portions of Justice Center Atrium, Jail One, and Tower One, which share a common water system. Other areas in the complex are on a separate water system and are not impacted.
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The courthouse remains open.
'The water at the Justice Center is safe for normal use,' the release states. 'There are no known cases of illness associated with Legionella bacteria in Cuyahoga County.'
The Cleveland Department of Public Health confirmed to the I-Team there were no local cases.
According to the press release, the tests were conducted on March 19. The results received on March 31 confirmed the presence of Legionella bacteria.
The levels of Legionella bacteria detected within the Justice Center water system are very unlikely to cause illness, according to a press release.
The Department of Public Works is disinfecting the 'domestic water system' on Friday.
The release further notes that the following additional steps are being taken.
Immediately shut off the water sources where Legionella bacteria was detected
Installing a Point of Use Filtration system with 0.2-micron biological filtration to remove bacterial agents
Flushed and disinfecting the water system to reduce bacterial presence
Conducted a thorough assessment of the entire water system and further evaluation of all water components
Scheduled further testing to confirm that all areas are free of Legionella bacteria
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According to the Centers for Disease Control, the bacteria Legionella causes Legionnaires' disease.
The County will continue to monitor the system and conduct additional testing to confirm the issue is resolved.
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