High levels of Legionella found in Baltimore City Hall, more city buildings
BALTIMORE -- Three Baltimore courthouses closed early on Friday to perform cleaning and mitigation efforts after Legionella was found in the buildings' water, according to the mayor's office.
After precautionary water quality testing at Baltimore City Hall on 100 Holiday Street and the Abel Wolman Municipal Building on 200 Holiday Street, high levels of legionella bacteria were detected in the water.
The Benton Building at 401 E. Fayette Street was also tested on December 18, 2024, with results expected by January 5, 2025.
As a result, Baltimore City will clean, perform system maintenance, and other mitigation efforts, including flushing and chlorination, to address the presence of legionella bacteria in these buildings, according to the mayor's office.
In the release, the mayor stated the closure wasn't because of health or safety issues, but due to efforts to manage the situation. City workers should follow the directions of the Office of Labor Commissioner and their supervisors regarding working from home or taking time off during the closure.
Courthouses reopen
On Thursday, three courthouses in Downtown Baltimore reopened after water quality tests found elevated levels of Legionella bacteria last week.
After the water quality tests, city officials recommended the immediate closure of the Baltimore City District (People's) Courthouse, Clarence M. Mitchell, Jr. Courthouse, and Elijah E. Cummings Courthouse.
The Cummings Courthouse and Mitchell Courthouse closed for a water flush, but are now open once again, according to Baltimore City Circuit Clerk Xavier Conaway. Conaway said the closure on Friday was not a requirement, but a proactive decision.
On December 20, the Maryland Department of General Services put a remedial plan in place to protect the health of visitors and employees. It is unclear if that plan is still in place.
Legionella bacteria were also detected at the North Avenue courthouse, but it did not close.
Elevated levels of Legionella bacteria can cause Legionnaires Disease and Pontiac fever. Dr. Greg Corcoran of LifeBridge Health told WJZ that the bacteria can cause a dangerous form of pneumonia.
