In October 2018, Lyndon B. Johnson National Historical Park conducted environmental water tests that showed positive results for Legionella bacteria at three sites: the Pool House, Klein Shop, and Hangar Visitor Center. While there have been no confirmed cases of illness associated with this at the park, Legionella can cause a severe pneumonia (called Legionnaires’ disease) when people breathe in aerosolized droplets of water that contain the bacteria.
Immediate steps were taken to address this finding. Park staff with expertise in water operations have worked closely with the National Park Service Office of Public Health (OPH), and in consultation with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). An environmental assessment of the entire water system was conducted, and a Water Management Plan for all public water systems at the LBJ Ranch Unit was developed and is being executed. The Water Management Plan identifies risk factors that may contribute to Legionella bacteria growth, including inadequate chlorine levels, water temperatures outside a specified range, presence of scale and sediment, water stagnation, amongst others. For each of these risk factors, the plan lays out control measures and monitoring strategies to minimize risk. The park’s water management program currently includes monthly documentation of pH levels, hot and cold water temperatures, and flushing amounts. Additionally, the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) requires that all water systems record free chlorine residuals; tests are done monthly to ensure that coliforms and Escherichia coli are absent. A yearly test for Nitrates is also conducted. Records can be found at https://www.tceq.texas.gov/agency/data/records-services/welcome-to-tceq-records-online.
We know that Legionella bacteria exist in the environment, and the OPH considers the risk of Legionnaires’ disease in the park to be low. Most people exposed to Legionella will not get sick; however, it can cause severe illness in some. Legionnaires’ disease can be treated with antibiotics. Symptoms of Legionnaire’s disease usually begin 2-14 days after exposure and can include cough, shortness of breath, muscle aches, headaches, and fever. Additional symptoms may be present, such as headache, confusion, nausea, or diarrhea. People who are at increased risk of getting sick include people 50 years or older, smokers, and those with chronic lung disease, weakened immune systems, or underlying illnesses such as diabetes, kidney failure, or liver failure. If you develop any of these symptoms of Legionnaires’ disease, you should seek medical attention. Please let your doctor know so that they can test you for Legionnaires’ disease. Ask your doctor to test you with both a urine test and a respiratory culture. If you test positive, please inform park leadership as soon as possible.
While we are working to address this issue, if you believe you are at high risk for infection, you may consider consulting with your doctor about limiting your risk for infection, for example by taking baths instead of showering or using bottled water for hygiene and drinking purposes while in the park.
We will continue to monitor our water systems and work closely with the OPH and the CDC to protect the health of those who visit, work and live in the park. A fact sheet about Legionnaires’ disease is posted along with this notice. You can also learn more about Legionnaires’ disease at https://www.cdc.gov/legionella/index.html. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact the Park Superintendent at 830-868-7128 x222.
