Legionella bacteria found in Oakwood’s Smith Elementary School

OAKWOOD, Ohio — Officials with Oakwood Schools said the district found legionella bacteria in one location in Smith Elementary School.

The bacteria was found the week of August 3 in a girl’s restroom on the second floor of Smith Elementary, a release said.

Proactive testing was done in preparation to reopen school buildings, which had been primarily closed since March was based on the recommendation of leading experts.

>> Districts testing for Legionella after 3 area schools discover bacteria in water systems

The restroom had been closed since March due to the state-wide school closure and under construction since June as part of the District’s Phase 1 Master Facilities Plan.

According to Public Health Dayton and Montgomery County, any time a building has been sitting

dormant for a period of time, bacteria can build up.

Oakwood Schools is working with Solid Blend to follow recommendations to flush that section of the

Smith School water system. The process will begin immediately. The restroom will remain closed during

the process.

>> Legionella bacteria discovered at 2 more schools in Montgomery County

The system will be retested in approximately two weeks and the District will follow

additional treatment recommendations if needed. The building's other restrooms will remain

operational.

Cox Media Group