St. Mary’s Campus Reports No Legionella Bacteria
Recent water testing in Rochester shows no detectable levels of the bacteria following July restrictions.
Updated on Oct. 22, 2026 in Asthma
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Recent water samples collected from Rochester’s St. Mary’s Campus on September 21, 2026, confirmed no detectable levels of Legionella bacteria. This follows earlier tests that identified elevated bacteria levels in the facility’s drinking water.
Why it matters
The testing ensures the safety of nearly 150 residents who were previously restricted from using the water for drinking or bathing. Legionella exposure is a significant health concern as it can lead to Legionnaires’ disease, a serious respiratory infection.
The campus houses nearly 150 residents across the 120-bed Unity Living Center and the Moore Park Apartments. Future water quality monitoring will continue to ensure ongoing safety.
The players
Rochester Regional Health
This integrated health services organization owns and operates the St. Mary’s Campus in Rochester, New York.
Unity Living Center
This 120-bed facility is located on the St. Mary’s Campus and provides residential care.
Moore Park Apartments
This residential living community is situated on the St. Mary’s Campus alongside the Unity Living Center.
The details
Rochester Regional Health managed the safety protocols by providing alternative water sources for drinking and bathing after detecting the bacteria in late July. The facility implemented these restrictions to prevent potential outbreaks of Legionnaires’ disease, which is characterized by symptoms including high fever, cough, diarrhea, and confusion.
Timeline
Late July 2026: Drinking water restrictions were implemented.
September 21, 2026: The latest water samples were collected.
Health Landscape
This event follows the established standard of care for identifying and mitigating bacterial contamination in large healthcare facility water systems. It echoes protocols developed after the 2015 Bronx Legionnaires' disease outbreak to ensure rapid institutional response.
Residents and families can now expect a return to standard water usage practices following the negative test results. The facility’s ongoing testing commitment serves as a protective measure for those living within the campus boundaries.
The takeaway
Maintaining strict water safety protocols is essential for preventing the transmission of waterborne pathogens in shared residential facilities. Facilities should prioritize recurring testing cycles to catch and mitigate bacterial growth before it impacts resident health.
Further reading
For more information on respiratory health, visit the Rochester Asthma section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by WHEC.
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