Plumbers from across Northwest Indiana and Chicago sat through a three-hour workshop and training

The three-day conference is sponsored by the National Science Foundation and marks the first time experts from industry, academia, public health, medicine and government will meet to discuss Legionella and other pathogens

Scientists hypothesize a connection between low flow rates and outbreaks of waterborne diseases such as Legionnaires’ disease, warns Plumbing Manufacturers International.

Researchers found when the water was supplied from the Flint River, Flint residents were seven times more likely to develop Legionnaires' disease.

The system consists of a coffee-cup-sized, portable DNA analyzer called the Spartan Cube and a single-use disposable test cartridge.