Legionella bacteria, lead found in EPA Chicago offices’ drinking water

The bacteria that causes Legionnaires’ disease have been found in the drinking water of the Environmental Protection Agency’s Loop offices and employees are demanding the problem be fixed.

High levels of lead and copper were also found in a pair of water sources at the offices.

The bacteria and heavy metals were found in water at the Ralph H. Metcalfe Federal Building, 77 W. Jackson Blvd., where the regional headquarters of EPA occupies 15 floors.

The EPA is the top government body in charge of protecting people’s health from environmental hazards.

Last month, test results by another federal government agency showed that Legionella was detected in at least five drinking water sources, including fountains and kitchen faucets on four floors.

While a number of water sources detected no Legionella, dozens of fountains and faucets remained untested for the bacteria, according to a summary provided to the Sun-Times.

Likewise, two sources of water in kitchens exceeded limits for lead and copper, though the vast majority of drinking fountains had not been tested for the metals.

The American Federation of Government Employees Local 704, which represents more than 800 of the EPA workers, filed a grievance with the leadership of the agency’s regional operations on Wednesday, accusing management of “failing to take action to provide a workplace free of hazards or a safe and healthful workplace.”

While the detection of lead and copper are concerning, the employees are especially concerned about the Legionella because it can become airborne, said Nicole Cantello, president of the EPA workers’ union.

So far, the agency has only provided water coolers on every other floor of the EPA offices in Metcalfe, according to Cantello. Water sources have not been shut down. Bathroom fixtures can send Legionella bacteria into the air, she added.

Legionaire’s disease can be deadly, prompting concern from the very specialists at the agency in charge of controlling such health threats, Cantello added.

“I have experts among my EPA employees and I have other people who bring cases and they are all deeply concerned about what is happening,” Cantello said.

Debra Shore, the regional administrator for the EPA in Chicago, didn’t immediately respond to a request for comment.

Cantello said all drinking water sources should be shut off until they are shown to be safe.

Employees should be given the option to work from home, she said.