Water System Information

Water system update

Updated Tuesday, Nov. 5, 2024, 5:30 p.m.

Following last month's finding of Legionella bacteria in low usage locations in the UAF domestic water distribution system, UAF initiated a proactive testing and treatment plan. Testing results indicate that the flushing and treatment have been effective at reducing the presence of bacteria in locations with low water usage. Testing also confirmed the need for flushing where water sits stagnant. UAF will continue flushing and testing to ensure that the bacterial occurrence remains below action limits. 

UAF students, facility and staff should anticipate seeing Facilities Services personnel continuing to flush water systems around campus and collecting water samples. If and when bacteria are found in ongoing testing, affected fixtures will be temporarily closed for flushing. On weekends, Facilities Services will conduct specialized treatment in specific low-water-usage buildings. 

It is important to note that UAF's drinking water remains safe and meets all regulatory standards. We encourage anyone with questions to review our FAQs or contact Facilities Services at 474-7000. 

Showers closed in two buildings as precaution

Updated Friday, Oct. 18, 2024, 1:45 p.m.

UAF has closed showers in the Usibelli and Akasofu buildings after water in the buildings tested positive for Legionella bacteria. Users of the showers in those buildings should use the showers at the Student Recreation Center, which recently tested negative for the bacteria. The water in both buildings, and on the UAF campus, is safe for drinking. 

What is Legionella?

Legionella is a bacteria that occurs naturally in the environment and can be found in public water systems. According to the Centers for Disease Control, vulnerable populations may be susceptible to Legionnaires' disease or Pontiac fever if they breathe in small water droplets containing the bacteria, such as those produced in showers. Legionella bacteria does not cause illness when people drink the water and does not spread from person to person. 

What actions is UAF taking? 

Although no other instances of Legionella have been identified on campus, we will be testing the water in our buildings in the coming days. Users may see periodic shower closures on campus while UAF conducts sampling or makes water adjustments. We are also increasing the chlorine levels throughout the campus water system to disinfect the supply lines. The water will still be safe to drink, but users may taste or smell the slightly higher levels of chlorine. Flushing water throughout the system may also cause some slight discoloration. Running the water for 30 seconds should eliminate the discoloration.

What should you do? 

If you normally use the showers in Akasofu or Usibelli, you are welcome to use the showers at the SRC until the showers in those buildings reopen. SRC membership will not be required to use the showers. Others on campus can continue to use water normally, but can also use the SRC showers if they prefer. 

Where can you get more information?

You can find more information about Legionella on the CDC’s website. 

Additional FAQs

Is it safe to drink the water on campus?

The disease caused by the Legionella bacteria is not transmitted by drinking water. UAF does routine testing of its water, which shows that the water meets safe drinking water standards set by the government. 

Is it safe to shower on campus?

We have closed the showers in the buildings that have tested positive for the Legionella bacteria.  Other than the Usibelli and Akasofu building showers, people can use showers on campus. Several other locations on campus have been tested, including the SRC, Harwood Hall and the incoming water from College Utilities. The bacteria was not found in any of those other locations.

How does Legionnaires’ disease spread?

It spreads when someone inhales water droplets that contain the Legionella bacteria. It can also spread if someone aspirates water into their lungs.  It is not spread from person to person or via ingesting water. For more information, visit the CDC’s website.

How did UAF discover the bacteria?

UAF tested the Usibelli Building, conforming with lease terms of an organization that leases space in the building. The bacteria in Akasofu was discovered during a research study conducted by a UAF researcher.

What is UAF doing about it?

Our first step is to increase chlorine levels in the campus water system. While the water we purchase from College Utilities Corporation has high enough chlorine levels to kill the bacteria, concentrations can sometimes drop in portions of a water system that aren’t used frequently. UAF will flush the system to increase chlorine concentrations and to disinfect the lines. The water will still be safe to drink, but may smell or taste slightly different due to the increased chlorine levels. 

In addition, we will be testing water in buildings throughout campus during the coming weeks to ensure that the Legionella bacteria is no longer present. Building users may see workers running faucets or taking samples. UAF is working with an external water testing firm to assist with the testing.

Will the extra chlorine in the water be harmful to me?

No, the additional chlorine in the water is safe and will effectively disinfect the system.

What does increasing chlorine levels do?

Chlorine, when added to water in known concentrations, is a safe means to disinfect the water and kill harmful bacteria including the Legionella bacteria.  Flushing the system will bring chlorine concentration levels up throughout the water system. As this water circulates through our water system, it will serve as a disinfectant while still remaining safe for normal consumption and use.

How long will the Akasofu and Usibelli showers be closed?

We expect the showers in Akasofu and Usibelli buildings to reopen in about two weeks, after we receive final confirmation that the bacteria is no longer present in those locations. The testing for the bacteria takes about 10 days.

Does UAF routinely test for Legionella bacteria? 

No, testing for Legionella is not required by state or federal regulations. 

Is Legionella dangerous? 

Most healthy people are not affected by exposure to Legionella. However, in vulnerable individuals the bacteria can cause illnesses like Pontiac fever, which is a mild respiratory infection, and Legionnaires’ disease, which is a type of pneumonia. The CDC has more information about people who may be at increased risk of illness due to exposure. 

What should I do if I am at increased risk of illness?

Reach out to UAF’s Environmental Health, Safety and Risk Management department for guidance. You can call them at 907-474-6603 or 907-474-6771.

What if I am sick and think I have Legionnaires’ disease?

Legionnaires’ disease cannot be diagnosed solely based on your symptoms. If you are ill, you can contact your medical provider. Students can contact the Student Health and Counseling Center. Your medical provider can discuss with you whether testing and/or treatment is necessary. 

What if I still have questions?

If you still have questions, you can contact UAF’s Environmental Health, Safety, and Risk Management department at 907-474-6603 or 907-474-6771 or email UAF-fsdispatch@alaska.edu. 

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