Oklahoma - Legionella Prevention and Costs of Legionnaires Outbreaks Historical Headlines Related to Legionella October 14, 2025 Signs were posted in the Lawton Federal Building warning that Legionella bacteria had been detected in the drinking water system. The General Services Administration (GSA) confirmed the detection but stated that no cases of Legionnaires’ disease have been reported and that water safety is being managed. Oklahoma’s State Department of Health is not conducting an investigation. (Source) October 14, 2025 Rose State College detected elevated levels of Legionella bacteria in its campus water system and has been flushing and draining lines as a precaution. No illnesses have been reported, and campus officials, guided by the CDC and water treatment experts, determined it is safe to remain open. Showers at the Wellness Center are temporarily closed while filters are installed, and post-flush testing is underway. (Source) December 3, 2024 Water has been fully restored to the Lawton-Fort Sill Veterans Center after over a week of battling contamination. The situation began when a case of Legionnaires Disease was traced back to the Veterans home. Officials with the Oklahoma State Department of Veterans Affairs (OSDVA) confirmed, saying this was in response to a positive sample that came from the Oklahoma State Department of Health (OSDH). In a statement, a spokesperson with the OSDH said, in part quote: “The OSDH is investigating a cluster of illnesses at the Lawton Veterans Home in Comanche County. Samples taken from inside the building during our investigation tested positive for Legionella.” A second sample was taken on November 6 and tested positive again. This maintained the shutoff until a flush was conducted on November 12. Officials say third-party crews were called out to the facility, arriving on Thursday evening, shutting off water and draining the system on Friday morning.(Source) Reported Settlements and Jury Awards Given the incidence of legionella in Oklahoma, and its associated harm, personal injury claims and litigation are also becoming more frequent. Reported settlements and jury awards are unavailable at this time. State Cap on Jury Awards Oklahoma does not have a cap on the award amounts allowable by law. In addition, public health notices and negative media attention can also lead to business interruption and reputation damage. Groundwater Temperature Risk Level – Medium Overall Liability and Risk for Oklahoma – High No, ASHRAE 188 is not part of the state code Legionella and Water Management Plan Assistance Need help? For Legionella consulting and services, Water Management Plans, Legionella Control Systems, and Legionella testing please contact us at Legionella Control Systems at 888-416-8626 or [email protected]
