Sanitary inspectors have found that water at the new government building of Hong Kong is contaminated with Legionella bacteria that cause pneumonia-like Legionnaires' disease.

Samples of water taken from washrooms, kitchens, canteen and a coffee shop of the Tamar complex housing the Chinese administrative region's chief executive office, legislature and central government have 13 times the normal concentration of the bacteria, which was named after the American Legion.

The water samples were collected from Dec. 28 and 29 following the hospitalisation of Secretary for Education Michael Suen Ming-yeung. Suen, 67, was diagnosed with Legionnaires' disease, but has recovered after 12 days of treatment. No other people were infected.

Samples taken from the tap water in Suen's office's washroom tested positive from the bacteria.

Hong Kong's officials transferred to the Tamar complex five months ago. The building was built at a cost of $621 million.

Centre for Health Protection controller Thomas Tsang Ho-fai, who announced the results of the tests on water samples, said people with weak immune system are vulnerable to infection from the Legionella bacteria. The bacteria can also cause Legionnaire's disease to one who inhaled water mist contaminated with high amounts of the bacteria.

The building's water systems are being disinfected to kill the bacteria. Other precautionary steps taken were the installation of a filter on a pantry tap and disinfectant liquid in toilets.

The Tamar Complex now houses Hong Kong's government and legislative offices.