Legionella Investigation in Trenton Water Works Service Area

Update

As part of an ongoing investigation by the New Jersey Department of Health (NJDOH) into Legionnaires’ disease among residents in Mercer County in areas served by Trenton Water Works (TWW), seven cases of Legionnaires’ disease have been reported between October 2022 and March 2023. The seven cases occurred in Trenton, Ewing Township, Lawrence Township, and Hamilton Township. Of the seven, two individuals have died. Health officials from NJDOH have briefed elected representatives at the local and State level on this matter and will continue to collaborate with them throughout this ongoing investigation: https://www.nj.gov/health/news/2023/approved/20230327b.shtml

In light of these recent updates, Mayor Bert Steinman and the Ewing Township Department of Health, would like its residents to know that although legionella bacteria can cause illness, getting sick is rare but possible. This may happen when water droplets are aerosolized and legionella bacteria are inhaled, most often during showers and hot tub usage, and during high-risk activities exposure. Legionella bacteria live in freshwater and while naturally occurring, rarely cause disease in most healthy persons, even after being exposed. Persons cannot get Legionnaire’s disease from drinking water or from another person that has the disease.

In addition to this notice about Legionnella, Mayor Bert Steinman would like to ensure Ewing residents that the chemical spill of 8,100 gallons of a chemical latex polymer released into Otter Creak in Bristol, Pennsylvania does not pose a risk to their drinking water. On Sunday, March 26, 2023, a voluntary notice was issued to water service customers in Burlington, Camden, and Gloucester counties in New Jersey due to the spill. Since then, the U.S. EPA, U.S. Coast Guard, in conjunction with NJDEP, has determined that the spill has not impacted the treated drinking water delivered to customers in those three counties served by the Delaware River Regional Water Treatment Plant. Over the next several days, continued monitoring and sampling will occur. For further updates or questions on this incident, please contact the New Jersey Healthcare Coalition at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..  

Legionnaire’s disease can cause pneumonia, or infection to the lungs that may cause symptoms such as cough, fatigue, difficulty breathing, and aches. Those at increased risk tend to be 50 years and older, current or past smokers, those with chronic lung disease or weakened immune system, and those with other underlying health issues. And according to NJDOH, individuals can follow the below recommended steps to decrease their exposure to Legionella and implement those practices that are designed to limit growth within their water system.

• Keep you water heater set to a minimum of 120* Fahrenheit
  • This temperature will reduce the growth of Legionella while avoiding potential for hot water burns
  • A thermostatic mixing valve may also be considered if there is a concern with raising the water temperature system wide
  • You may need to consider a licensed plumbing professional and local codes and ordinance prior to installation

• Clean and/or replace your showerheads and faucet aerators (screens)
  • Please follow your manufacturer’s equipment specifications
  • Thoroughly flush the water at each tap for 20 minutes after cleaning and/or replacing
• Conduct routine flushing
  • There is increased risk of the presence of Legionella growth in sinks and shower taps that are not used often
  • Run faucets and showers run for at least three minutes when they have not been used for more than a week
  • Minimize exposure to aerosolized droplets by leaving the room while the water is being run
• Avoid high-risk activities
  • If you are at an increased risk, exposure to aerosolized droplets with hot tubs, decorative fountains, power washing, and similar activities should be considered
• Maintain in-home medical equipment
  • For non-steam generating humidifiers, CPAP, BiPAP, nasal irrigation and nebulizer devices, follow manufacturer’s instructions for cleaning and maintaining equipment especially noting if sterile water should be used instead of tap water
• Follow manufacturer’s instructions for maintaining your water heater and expansion tanks, including periodic flushing, draining and removal of sediment
• Remove, shorten, or regularly flush existing dead legs in your system
• Clean and/or replace water filters per manufacturer’s instructions
• Follow manufacturer’s instructions for maintaining your hot tub
• Drain garden hoses and winterize hose bibs
• Maintain and operate indoor and outdoor decorative fountains according to the manufacturer’s instructions

Over the next several weeks, NJDEP will be working directly with Trenton Water Works (TWW) to conduct low-velocity flushing and testing throughout its service area starting in early April 2023. This is to increase water circulation, increase and optimize the distribution of chlorine levels to decrease the growth of pathogens, such as Legionella. It is not expected that customers will notice water quality changes with the increased flushing and testing, and TWW will let customers know when activities are occurring in their service areas. If you have any questions or concerns, in addition to contacting the Ewing Township Health Department, residents are encouraged to contact TWW at (609-) 989-3208 of the NDJEP Bureau of Safe Drinking Water at (609) 292-5550, or visit: dep.nj.gov/trentonwater.

Some additional resources for our residents and businesses may be found here:

Legionellosis – Frequently asked questions: https://www.state.nj.us/health/cd/documents/faq/Legionellosis-New%20FAQ%20logo.pdf

Recommended Actions for Building Owners:

https://www.cdc.gov/legionella/wmp/toolkit/wmp-risk.html

NJDOH’s Legionella Website: https://www.nj.gov/health/cd/topics/legion.shtml