Bacteria that causes Legionnaires’ disease have been found in the drinking water at the Environmental Protection Agency’s Loop offices, and employees are demanding that the problem be fixed.

High levels of lead and copper were also detected in two water sources near the office.

The bacteria and heavy metals were found in the water at the Ralph H. Metcalfe Federal Building, 77 W. Jackson Blvd., which houses the EPA’s 15-story regional headquarters.

The EPA is the primary government agency responsible for protecting human health from environmental hazards.

Last month, test results from another federal agency showed Legionella bacteria in at least five drinking water sources, including wells and kitchen faucets on four floors.

While no Legionella was detected in numerous water sources, dozens of wells and faucets remained untested, according to a summary obtained by the Sun-Times.

Likewise, two kitchen water sources exceeded the limits for lead and copper, even though the vast majority of drinking fountains had not been tested for these metals.

Local 704 of the American Federation of Government Employees, which represents more than 800 EPA workers, filed a complaint with the agency’s regional office leadership on Wednesday, accusing management of “failing to take steps to create a hazard-free, safe and healthful workplace.”

While the lead and copper findings are concerning, employees are particularly concerned about Legionella because it can be transmitted through the air, said Nicole Cantello, president of the EPA workers’ union.

According to Cantello, the agency has so far only installed water coolers on every other floor of the EPA offices in Metcalfe. Water sources have not been turned off. Bathroom fixtures could release Legionella bacteria into the air, she added.

Legionnaires’ disease can be fatal and is causing concern among specialists at the agency responsible for combating such health threats, Cantello added.

“There are experts and other people on my EPA staff who are bringing cases. They are all deeply concerned about what is happening,” Cantello said.

Debra Shore, the EPA’s regional director in Chicago, did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Cantello said all drinking water sources must be shut off until their safety is proven.

Employees must be given the opportunity to work from home, she said.