Legionella is the bacterium responsible for Legionnaires’ Disease, which has been on the rise since 2000, though the exact number of cases of the disease is difficult to know since the symptoms can be similar to the common cold. Legionnaires’Disease actually can become a serious pneumonia (lung infection).
The Portland Water District has recently conducted tests throughout the distribution system and found no indication of Legionella. Chloramines, which is the secondary disinfectant used in Portland’s public water supply, is known to effectively kill bacteria.
Legionnaires Disease is usually contracted through inhaling water droplets suspended in the air that contain the bacteria Legionella. In natural settings, Legionella rarely causes concerns, however in man-made settings, Legionella can grow if the water system is not properly maintained. In general, people do not spread Legionnaires’ Disease to other people.
Healthy people are at low risk for Legionnaires’ disease. The likelihood of infection increases in the elderly, particularly for men. An infection is also more likely in someone with other risk factors including: people over 50 years of age, smokers and heavy drinkers, people suffering from chronic respiratory or kidney disease, diabetes, lung and heart disease, renal or hepatic failure, systemic malignancy, immune system disorders, and anyone with a weak immune system.
To prevent the growth of bacteria like Legionella in your plumbing, there are actions that you can take that vary in complexity depending on what type of water system you have. Although the risk is low for a healthy person to contract Legionnaires’ Disease (in the home), there are simple precautions you can take to prevent the growth of Legionella.
Showerheads and Faucets
Clean showerheads and faucet aerators at least four times per year to minimize the growth of the Legionella bacteria.
We do share the community’s concern over PFAS chemicals and that is why we are testing for them in the drinking water and our wastewater’s biosolids. Much of the recent attention has focused on the land application of biosolids. Unlike drinking water, there is no EPA approved method to reliably test biosolids and no federal limits for these compounds have been established.
1. New Account Number: With the new billing system, every customer has a new account number. Please note your new number. You'll need it to create an online account and for faster customer support.
