Prevalence of opportunistic pathogens in a school building plumbing during periods of low water use and a transition to normal use

Abstract

The spread of opportunistic pathogens via building water supply and plumbing is of public health concern. This study was conducted to better understand microbial water quality changes in a LEED-certified school building during low water use (Summer) and normal water use (Autumn). The copper plumbed building contained water saving devices, a hot water recirculation system, and received chloraminated drinking water from a public water system. Three separate sampling events were conducted during the summer break inside the building and another three sampling events were conducted after the school returned to session. Using quantitative PCR, Legionella spp. were detected in all water samples, followed by Mycobacterium spp. (99%). Mycobacterium avium (75%) and Acanthamoeba spp. (17.5%) throughout the building water system. Legionella pneumophila and Naegleria fowleri were not detected in any of the samples. The mean concentrations of Legionella spp., Mycobacterium spp., Mycobacterium avium, and Acanthamoeba spp. detected in water samples were 3.9, 5.7, 4.7, and 2.8 log₁₀ gene copies per 100 ml, respectively. There was a statistically significantly difference in the mean concentrations of Legionella spp., Mycobacterium spp. and M. avium gene markers in water samples between school breaks and when school was in session. Cultivable Legionella were also detected in water samples collected during periods of low water use. This study highlights the need for routine proactive water quality testing in school buildings to determine the extent of drinking water quality problems associated with plumbing and direct action to remediate microbial colonization.

Keywords: Drinking water; Green building; Legionella; Mycobacterium; Opportunistic pathogen; School.