Spectrum Health Pennock Water Testing Complete

Results show water is clean and safe

Grand Rapids, Mich., March 7, 2019 – Spectrum Health Pennock today announced that continued water testing shows zero evidence of Legionella bacteria in the hospital’s water.

“The health and safety of our patients, community and employees is of utmost importance to us,” said Angie Ditmar, president, Spectrum Health Pennock. “We acted quickly when we learned of the problem, and we are committed to making sure the water remains safe and clean.”

Results of water testing received on Dec. 26, 2018, showed that water samples taken from the hospital tested positive for Legionella bacteria. While the risk of getting pneumonia from exposure to this bacteria is generally low, hospitalized people can be at greater risk due to their pre-existing health conditions. Therefore, hospital officials addressed this risk in the short-term by installing filters on faucets and showers, followed by installing a water treatment system for long-term control.

Hospital officials continued to monitor the water by submitting water samples to Special Pathogens Laboratory, a lab specializing in testing for Legionella bacteria. All tests have confirmed that water samples taken after these prevention measures tested negative for Legionella bacteria.

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Contact:
Ellen Bristol
External Affairs Manager
Office: 616.391.4399
Mobile: 616.581.6474
Email: ellen.bristol@corewellhealth.org