YWCA Evanston/North Shore Legionella Mitigation Updates
At YWCA Evanston/North Shore (E/NS), the health and safety of our community is our top priority. As part of our ongoing commitment to transparency, we are actively addressing the detection of Legionella bacteria in our hot water system. This page provides updates on our mitigation process, important public statements, and helpful resources. Please check back regularly for the latest information.
A fact sheet about Legionnaires’ disease can be found here and additional information on Legionella is available from the CDC website at https://www.cdc.gov/legionella/.
Click here to view our Quick Reference Guide for program participants and YWCA E/NS Visitors
For general questions or concerns, please contact us at info@ywca-ens.org or call (847) 864-8445. Responses to emails and voicemails left on our mainline number will be responded to in as timely a manner as possible.
For media inquiries, please contact Erin Venable, Vice President of Marketing and Communications, at evenable@ywca-ens.org.
YWCA Evanston/North Shore Legionella Mitigation Updates:
(click on the “+” below to view ongoing updates and initial public statement issued on 10/11/2024)
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Our team at YWCA Evanston/North Shore continues to prioritize the health and safety of our community as we make steady progress in our Legionella mitigation process. We’re pleased to share that we have selected a water management consultant, and we anticipate beginning the remediation process with our water system in December.
Our current use of filters on faucets and showers will continue alongside the remediation process for a minimum of three months. After that first three months, we’ll conduct further testing to assess our progress and determine if we can safely discontinue the filters. Following that, regular testing will continue, with at least one to two checkups each year.
Please note that while these filters are in place, there may be ongoing water pressure issues due to the filters and clogging that can occur. We encourage you to alert us to any specific problems so we can address them promptly. Thank you for your patience and continued support as we work to maintain a safe and healthy environment.
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Our team at YWCA Evanston/North Shore is committed to ensuring the highest standards of safety as we continue our Legionella mitigation process. Here’s where things stand:
Mitigation control measures are actively in place and ongoing.
We are in the final stages of selecting a water management consultant to support our efforts in finding a sustainable, long-term solution.
We recognize there may be periodic issues with water pressure and temperature in the showers due to our current filtration control measures. While these measures are temporary, they may remain in place for some time as we progress further in the mitigation process. Please know that we are carefully monitoring and responding to these issues to maintain a comfortable experience for all.
We appreciate your patience and understanding as we move forward with these essential efforts to ensure a safe and healthy environment for everyone. Thank you for your continued support.
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(view email sent on 10/16/2024 at 2:26pm here)
Important Updates: Building Reopening and Resumption of Programming Effective Thursday, Oct. 17
We’re pleased to update you on the progress of the Legionella mitigation process at YWCA Evanston/North’s (E/NS) campus at 1215 Church Street. The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) Environmental Health team has confirmed that all necessary control measures are in place for safe reopening, and the building will officially reopen to the public, and in-person programming will resume starting tomorrow, Thursday, October 17. The health and safety of everyone in our community is our top priority, and we can assure you that we have followed all recommended guidelines and precautions to ensure a safe return to our facilities.
YWCA E/NS RETURN TO IN-PERSON PROGRAMMINGBelow are updates regarding our return to in-person programming. We will also follow up with program participants directly to ensure they have this information, and whom to contact should they have any questions:
Programs resuming onsite starting Thursday, October 17, 2024:
All aquatics programs - regularly scheduled programming, including classes, lessons, and swim team practices will resume, starting with a 6:00 am class on 10/17.
Illinois Domestic Violence 40-Hour Certificate Training
Youth Leadership Program
Community Counseling
The following programs are currently paused and will resume onsite starting Monday, October 21, 2024:
YW Culinary
Financial Empowerment Center
MITIGATION CONTROL MEASURES IN PLACE:
Filters Installed: All facility faucets and showers now have .2-micron filters installed. These filters have a 99.99999% bacteria kill rate and are recommended by the CDC.
Increased chlorine level: YWCA E/NS typically maintains a chlorine level of 2 ppm (parts per million) in our two pools. As an extra precautionary measure—despite no Legionella bacteria being detected in our pool water—we have temporarily increased the chlorine levels to a range between 3.0-3.33 ppm through our automated chemical distribution system to enhance water purification. This elevated level will be maintained for the next three months.
Hot Water System Temperature: YWCA E/NS’s hot water system temperature has been returned to the standard operation temperature of 140°F (60°C) to inhibit Legionella growth. Adjustments have also been made to our master mixing valves with our contracted plumber to ensure an increased return temperature of 128°F as an additional precautionary measure.
Consultation Underway: We can move forward with developing a customized water treatment solution and preventative maintenance management plan with a water treatment consultant now that growth of Legionella bacteria in culture has been observed by the IDPH lab (versus the just genetic material from the bacteria being detected in the first round of test results).
USE OF WATER FIXTURES AT YWCA E/NS:
Sinks and showers: Now that the .2-micron filters have been installed, it is safe to use sinks and showers.
Toilets: Toilets are safe to use as the toilets are only supplied by cold water and there were no detections associated with the cold-water system.
Water Fountains are temporarily closed: Although the water fountains are only supplied by cold water, we have temporarily restricted access as a precautionary measure. Once we get confirmation from our water management consultant that they are safe to use or any necessary steps to ensure their safety are in place, we will reopen them. In the meantime, multiple water coolers are available for public use in the lobby and kitchen areas.
REMINDERS ABOUT INFORMATION SHARED REGARDING TEMPORARY CLOSURE AND LEGIONELLA MITIGATION
Background and Resources: All background information regarding our temporary closure, updates in our mitigation process, and resources, including the CDC Legionella website and fact sheet, can be found on our website at https://bit.ly/ywensmitigation.
Health Concerns: If you or someone in your household were recently diagnosed with pneumonia or experienced pneumonia-like symptoms and you were at YWCA Evanston/North Shore within the two weeks before your symptoms started, we encourage you to contact the City of Evanston’s Health and Human Services Department at health@cityofevanston.org or 847-448-4311 for guidance. Steps involved may include a brief interview over the phone to gather additional information, and a recommendation to seek a urine antigen test provided by a physician which can detect Legionella in some cases for days or weeks after treatment for pneumonia.
NEXT STEPS
We understand that this situation can be concerning, and we are committed to providing as much support and reassurance as possible. We will continue to follow all the protocols and steps advised by IDPH, Evanston Health and Human Services (EHHS), and water management experts to ensure the ongoing safety of our facilities. We will keep you informed and updated throughout our remediation efforts via email and on our website at https://bit.ly/ywensmitigation, as transparency and trust are paramount during this time.
We deeply appreciate the community’s support and understanding throughout this process. Our values of transparency, collaboration, curiosity, belonging, and justice are at the heart of everything we do, and they have only grown stronger as we navigate this challenge together. Providing a safe space for our community to connect, heal, and grow is central to our mission, and we are thankful and excited to welcome everyone back.
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This email (click to view or read below) regarding updates on our mitigation process and building re-opening was sent to the YWCA Evanston/North Shore email list.
Email message:
Dear YWCA Community,
We are reaching out to keep you informed regarding the ongoing Legionella mitigation process at our campus at 1215 Church Street, along with helpful resources and the latest information. The health and safety of our community remain our top priorities. We are continuing to work with the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH), Evanston Health and Human Services Department, and water management consulting firm to follow all recommended guidelines and take every precaution to ensure safe reopening as soon as possible. We appreciate your patience and understanding during this process.
Background on Temporary Closure and Legionella Mitigation
For those who may be hearing about this situation for the first time, as a precautionary measure, YWCA E/NS temporarily closed our building on Thursday, October 10 to implement control measures after the genetic material from Legionella bacteria, which can cause Legionnaires' disease, was detected in the hot water supply. Testing was performed by the Illinois Department of Public Health after we were recently made aware that two individuals who were associated with YWCA E/NS tested positive for Legionnaires' disease.
While Legionella bacteria was detected in parts of the building’s hot water system, no Legionella bacteria was found in our pools. On Thursday, October 10, current program participants were notified about the situation, our mitigation efforts, and were provided with CDC Legionella website and fact sheet resources. On Friday, October 11, a public statement regarding the situation was issued. Mitigation process updates were posted on Saturday, October 12. That information can all be found on our website at https://bit.ly/ywensmitigation, where we will continue to provide all public-facing updates.
Status of Building Reopening and Scheduled In-Person Programming
We have taken all recommended immediate mitigation steps and will reopen once we receive approval from the IDPH Environmental Health team that all necessary strategies are in place for safe reopening. We are optimistic that this approval will take place soon but cannot confirm an exact date at this time.
Once we receive approval and can confirm reopening, we will send a follow-up email to our database and issue any updates on our website. Current in-person programming impacted by the closure includes:
all Aquatics programs (paused/on hold)
40-hour Domestic Violence Training (virtual until further notice)
Youth Leadership Program (paused/on hold)
YW Culinary (paused/on hold)
Spanish-language Basic Money Management workshop scheduled for 6 PM on Tuesday, 10/15 (to be rescheduled)
Health Concerns
If you or someone in your household were recently diagnosed with pneumonia or experienced pneumonia-like symptoms and you were at YWCA Evanston/North Shore within the two weeks before your symptoms started, we encourage you to contact the City of Evanston’s Health and Human Services Department at health@cityofevanston.org or 847-448-4311 for guidance. Steps involved may include a brief interview over the phone to gather additional information, and a recommendation to seek a urine antigen test provided by a physician which can detect Legionella in some cases for days or weeks after treatment for pneumonia.
Next Steps
We understand that trust and transparency are crucial in situations like this, and we will continue to prioritize open communication as we move forward. As a reminder, all information including updates and resources can be found on our website at https://bit.ly/ywensmitigation.
Thank you for your patience and trust in YWCA Evanston/North Shore as we work to ensure a safe and welcoming environment for all. This upholds our values and carries out our mission to eliminate racism, empower women, and promote peace, justice, freedom, and dignity for all.
Warm regards,
YWCA Evanston/North Shore
For general questions or concerns, please contact us at info@ywca-ens.org or call (847) 864-8445. Responses to emails and voicemails left on our mainline number will be responded to in as timely a manner as possible.
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Mitigation Process
Immediate Water Shut Off (October 10, 2024) upon receipt of preliminary test results that confirmed Legionella bacteria detected in YWCA E/NS’s hot water supply and review with Illinois Department of Public Health and Evanston Health and Human Services Department.
Precautionary building closing (October 10, 2024) due to temporary water system shutdown.
Filter Installation: Almost all facility faucets and showers now have .2-micron filters installed. These filters have a 99.99999% bacteria kill rate.
Temperature temporarily increased in hot water storage tank. The standard temperature for normal operation to inhibit Legionella growth is generally 140°F (60°C), which is the standard hot water temperature maintained at YWCA E/NS. But for active remediation, the hot water system was temporarily elevated to a higher temperature of 150°F in coordination with our plumbing vendor to ensure bacteria are effectively killed. Adjustments to the master mixing valves were also made to increase the return hot water temperature. The hot water system temperature has now been returned to 140°F.
Increased chlorine level: YWCA E/NS typically maintains a chlorine level of 2 ppm (parts per million) in our two pools. As an extra precautionary measure—despite no Legionella bacteria being detected in our pool water—we have temporarily increased the chlorine levels to 3.5 ppm through our automated chemical distribution system to enhance water purification. This elevated level will be maintained for the next three months.
Consultation Underway: Work has begun with our water treatment consultant to conduct a site survey and develop a customized water treatment solution and preventative maintenance management plan.
Communications & Information
Communications have been sent to all staff, board and committee members, shelter residents, program participants, community partners, and media regarding YWCA E/NS’s mitigation efforts via email, phone, in-person, and website notifications.
YWCA E/NS will conduct an all-staff virtual meeting on Monday, October 14, to ensure that staff can ask questions, be provided with the most up to date information and resources available, and to support ongoing collaboration that prioritizes the safety and well-being of our community.
Ongoing updates will be made available via this webpage and email.
Building Re-Opening and Return to In-Person Programming
We will provide updates on our building reopening and in-person programming as soon as we can confirm all filters have been installed and the water system is fully operational. While we don’t anticipate this taking more than a few days, we are unable to share an exact reopening date at this time.
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(October 11, 2024) Out of an abundance of caution, YWCA Evanston/North Shore (E/NS) can confirm that we made the decision on Thursday, October 10, 2024, to temporarily close our facility located at 1215 Church Street after learning Legionella bacteria was detected in our hot water supply. This decision underscores our ongoing commitment to the safety and well-being of our community and our priorities are focused on the safety of those we serve as well as the public.
Testing was performed by the Illinois Department of Public Health after we were recently made aware that two individuals who were associated with YWCA E/NS tested positive for Legionnaires' disease. The building shutdown is a temporary shut off of the hot water supply after testing detected the genetic material from Legionella bacteria, which can cause Legionnaires' disease. We are following all recommended remediation steps and will continue to operate with transparency.
We made the decision to close the building and pause programming in order to implement recommended control measures and avoid prolonged inconvenience to our staff and patrons. YWCA E/NS is in compliance with all standard water temperature regulations and conducts routine testing to ensure the safety of our facilities.
What We Know:Areas Affected: Bacteria was found in YWCA E/NS’s hot water system which feeds sinks, showers, and water fountains.
Unaffected Areas: Both of our pools tested negative for the bacteria. Toilets, laundry washing and drying machines are safe to use as the toilets are only supplied by cold water and there were no detections associated with the cold-water system. In addition, washing and drying machines are enclosed therefore do not result in exposure to aerosols.
What We’re Doing:
YWCA E/NS is committed to ensuring the health and safety of our patrons, staff, and community members by working closely with the Evanston Health and Human Services Department as well as the Illinois Department of Public Health to monitor the situation and implement all necessary control measures.
The investigation is ongoing and additional updates will be provided as needed.
We have secured the services of a water management consultant who will conduct remediation and long-term prevention protocols.
We are keeping staff and program participants updated and will communicate once hot water service is fully restored.
During this time, all in-person programs will be temporarily suspended or switched to virtual. Virtual programming will continue as scheduled, and updates regarding rescheduled in-person activities will be provided via our website and email communication.
Monitoring for Illness:
If you develop symptoms of pneumonia within two weeks of visiting YWCA E/NS, you should seek medical attention right away. A medical provider can evaluate you for pneumonia. If you are diagnosed with pneumonia, it is then recommended that you be tested for Legionella, because of the potential exposure at YWCA E/NS.
Symptoms of Legionnaires' disease typically include cough, shortness of breath, high fever, muscle aches, fatigue, and headache. Additional symptoms may be present, such as confusion, chills, nausea, or diarrhea.
Asymptomatic people who have been at YWCA E/NS should not be tested, but should monitor themselves for symptoms for 14 days after their last day at YWCA E/NS.
YWCA E/NS places the utmost priority on the safety of our community, and we appreciate the support of the staff, patrons, and community partners and members as we work diligently to resolve this situation. YWCA is dedicated to eliminating racism, empowering women, and promoting peace, justice, freedom, and dignity for all. This commitment drives our focus on transparency, communication, and collaboration so that we can return to the essential work that upholds our mission and these values.
A fact sheet about Legionnaires’ disease can be found at https://www.cdc.gov/legionella/downloads/fs-legionnaires.pdf and additional information on Legionella is available from the CDC website at https://www.cdc.gov/legionella/.YWCA Evanston/North Shore (E/NS)
(847) 864-8445
1215 Church Street
Evanston, IL 60201