(KLZA)--The Environmental Protection Agency has issued an emergency order requiring disinfection of drinking water at a nursing home and assisted living facility in Humboldt.
The order, issued to the city of Humboldt, requires the city to install a disinfection treatment system at Colonial Acres of Humboldt Nursing Home and Assisted Living Facility and implement other mitigation measures as needed to protect against the risk of Legionella bacteria in the facility's water supply.
The EPA said in a news release that Colonial Acres has had an ongoing problem with Legionella bacteria in its water system for several years that has led to illnesses and deaths, including a death as recently as March.
Legionella bacteria can cause Legionnaire's disease, a serious form of pneumonia, which is more easily contracted by elderly people and those with suppressed immune systems.
The EPA said in the news release that the Nebraska Departments of Environment and Energy and Health and Human Services have been working with the facility since the fall of 2022 on mitigation issues, including ongoing monitoring; flushing; point-of-use filtration devices; increased water temperature; the use of bottled water; and temporary shock chlorination, a drinking water treatment used for bacterial contamination.
However, those mitigation efforts have not been successful, requiring the EPA to issue the immediate order.
The EPA said in its news release that the Humboldt City Council at its May 21st meeting approved plans to buy and install a water disinfection system at Colonial Acres.
The EPA also said that Legionella bacteria has not been detected in Humboldt's public water system and there is no risk to the general public.
© Many Signals Communications
MOST VIEWED STORIES
Missouri River flood warning update
At risk teen missing in Atchison; public asked for help
Morrill welfare check ends with drug arrests, children removed
Local radio group welcomes new GM
Pilgrims arrive in Atchison Tuesday as part of natl walk
Pyle: Kelly to hold ceremonial signings in Brown and Jackson counties
Flood dangers realized by Falls City driver
Report of suspicious vehicle leads to meth arrest
Woman arrested in Holton after suspicious activity report
Commission discusses KDOT letter on street lights
Local area flood warnings extended
Injury avoided in Atchison truck rollover
AT&T: Atchison internet outage due to contractor accident
Hiawatha fireworks ban to remain in place
Falls City woman arrested on felony drug charge
Bench trial held for man charged in fatal 2022 Jeff Co crash
KDHE: Residents, pets, told to avoid flooding MO River waters
LATEST STORIES
Governor Kelly ceremonially signs tax relief bill in local stops
Missing A-Town teen found safe
Fentanyl near school earns plea from LV man
A safe, sober 4th wanted by officials
Improvements planned at Doniphan County Courthouse
Brown Co Sheriff's Office stats
Report of suspicious vehicle leads to meth arrest
Cooper Nuclear Station celebrates 50 years of generating power