An annual water test showing legionella bacteria at the University of Windsor has shut down hot water taps in several buildings on campus.
Taps in Chrysler Hall Tower, Essex Hall, Leonard and Dorothy Neal Education Building, Leddy Library West, Lambton Tower, and Vanier Hall showed signs of the bacteria.
Director of Public Affairs and Communications John Coleman tells AM800 News the move is a precaution and there's no immediate health-threat.
"We reacted right away and took preventative steps to eliminate any possible risk to the occupants of those buildings," says Coleman, who added none of the residences on campus are affected.
Coleman is unsure how long it will take to get the hot water back on — the system needs to be flushed out with hot water to eliminate the bacteria.
"We're continuing to work and resolve the issue," says Coleman. "We're doing it as quickly as we can and we'll update everyone as soon as we can."
The university implemented annual testing after legionella popped up on campus last year, according to Coleman.
"As a result of that we felt we were going to do it again on an annual basis, which we're doing not necessarily as a legal responsibility to do so, but we felt it was the best thing to do in the interest of everyone," he added.
Legionella bacteria can cause a serious type of pneumonia called Legionnaires' disease. The bacteria can also cause a less serious illness called Pontiac Fever.