Legionella Found In North Ocean City Fire Hydrant

OCEAN CITY — The town of Ocean City is still waiting on the results of the latest batch of water samples taken last week after a fire hydrant in the north end of town tested positive for the presence of legionella, but officials do not believe there is concern at this point with the water and have not issued any restrictions.

On Sept. 25, a water sample taken from a hydrant on 145th Street tested positive for legionella, a bacteria associated with and named for Legionnaire’s Disease. The discovery came on the heels of a positive test for legionella at a nearby hotel earlier in September after two reported cases of Legionnaire’s disease were linked to the lodging establishment.

Ocean City Communications Manager Jessica Waters said on Tuesday the positive test for legionella at the hydrant has set in motion a larger effort to identify and contain the source and the extent of the possible exposure. The Worcester County Health Department and the Maryland Department of the Environment are working closely with the town and more samples were taken late last week.

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