ABC analysis has revealed 170 of the 270 facilities across the state had at least one positive detection of the legionella bacteria – which can lead to a deadly form of pneumonia – 12 months after the State Government introduced new laws that forced them to regularly test water sources and publish the results.
Queensland Health says that when legionella is detected, facilities are required to develop action plans to fix the problem.
This includes flushing the water system with chlorinated water, cleaning and disinfecting shower heads, and using temporary bacterial filters on outlets where the bacteria could not be destroyed.
