For families and employees in Oakland County, the last few months have been marked by growing anxiety over the safety of the water they use every day. What began as a single diagnosis has evolved into a county-wide investigation, with the latest focus turning toward the buildings that house some of our community’s most vulnerable…
In the fight against Legionnaires’ disease, reactive measures are often too little, too late. By the time an outbreak is identified, lives have already been put at risk. That is why the legal and safety landscape is shifting toward preventative certification. The International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials (IAPMO), in partnership with ASSE International,…
Las Vegas is world-renowned for its sprawling resorts and luxury amenities. However, behind the neon lights and fountain shows lies a complex network of plumbing that, if mismanaged, can become a breeding ground for a silent killer: Legionella bacteria. In early 2026, the legal spotlight has intensified on several off-Strip and major resort properties following…
In a significant move for public health, Salt Lake County (SLC) legislators have officially signed off on a specialized Legionella Prevention Program. On February 23, 2026, the Finance Committee approved a multi-year contract aimed at rigorous testing and treatment of water systems within county-owned buildings. At Legionnaires Lawyers, we closely monitor these legislative shifts. While…
The summer of 2025 left a permanent mark on the Central Harlem community. What began as a handful of pneumonia cases quickly spiraled into a massive community cluster, infecting over 110 people and claiming the lives of seven New Yorkers. While the New York City Department of Health worked tirelessly to remediate the dozen cooling…
Legionnaires’ disease has become an increasingly high-profile public health issue, especially when it’s linked to large building water systems. When a county facility—or any high-traffic building—reports potential Legionella concerns, it raises immediate questions about testing, maintenance, disclosure, and legal responsibility. Recent reports out of Oakland County have put these issues back in the spotlight, with…
Many people search for answers when a cough, fever, or sudden shortness of breath appears after travel or time in a building with a complex water system. We understand how stressful it is to wonder if these symptoms point to something serious. Legionnaires’ disease symptoms include high fever, cough, shortness of breath, confusion, and gastrointestinal…
The fight against Legionnaires’ disease—a severe form of pneumonia caused by Legionella bacteria—is evolving. With rising global temperatures, aging infrastructure, and more complex building water systems, traditional detection methods are no longer enough. Thankfully, new Legionella detection technologies are reshaping how we manage this persistent public health threat, making detection faster, more accurate, and more…
When a Legionnaires’ disease outbreak is suspected, environmental sampling becomes one of the first and most important steps in identifying the source of contamination. This process involves collecting water and environmental samples from potential sources like cooling towers, plumbing systems, and hot tubs to detect the presence of Legionella bacteria. By pinpointing contaminated areas, environmental…
What Is Legionella and How Does It Affect Tenants? Legionella is the bacteria that cause Legionnaires’ disease, a serious type of pneumonia contracted by inhaling contaminated water droplets. In U.S. rental housing, Legionella concerns typically arise from plumbing systems, cooling towers, hot tubs, or decorative fountains. While there is no nationwide “Legionella law” for apartments,…
