Indianapolis Healthplex Patrons:
Even before we received the results from our water testing, we were working closely with MCHD and our water experts, Weas Engineering, to eliminate potential legionella bacteria from our system as well as develop a Water Management Program for the building. Below is a list of actions we have taken onsite to ensure the safety of our staff, members, tenants and visitors entering the building. Many of the items listed go above and beyond what was required by MCHD and was what we felt are necessary precautions determined by the staff and ownership of the Healthplex.
- We have flushed the water systems daily which has included a thermal flush and an emergency super chlorinated flush.
- We have installed a hospital grade secondary “super” chlorination system that will provide continuous disinfection of our water through the entire building.
- All faucets and shower heads have been disinfected and are included in the daily flushing process.
- Showers were cleaned and disinfected.
- Therapy and lap pools were drained, refilled and the filters were professionally disinfected and the filter media replaced.
- Hot tubs are being professionally cleaned, disinfected, and refilled.
- Steam rooms were cleaned and disinfected.
- Soda fountains and ice machines have been professionally disinfected, and filters replaced.
- Water fountains have been cleaned, disinfected and filters replaced.
- Continuous water testing and remediation will be performed as necessary.
According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), Legionnaires’ disease is a type of pneumonia caused by legionella bacteria, which occurs naturally in lakes and streams, but can also grow in building water systems. Legionella bacteria can become a health problem when small droplets of water that contain the bacteria get into the air and people breathe them in. In rare cases, someone breathes in Legionella while they are drinking water and it “goes down the wrong pipe” into the lungs. In general, people do not spread Legionnaires’ disease to other people.
Legionnaires’ disease requires treatment with antibiotics and in most cases this illness can be treated successfully. To learn more, the CDC’s website includes a great deal of information regarding legionella bacteria and Legionnaires’ disease. https://www.cdc.gov/legionella/index.html.
