New Health Regulations Introduced for Cooling Towers in New York City

The New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene has introduced stricter new regulations for testing Legionella bacteria in cooling towers across New York City as the summer season approaches.
Under the new rules, every operational cooling tower in New York City must now be tested for Legionella bacteria every 31 days, replacing the previous requirement of testing once every 90 days.
Health officials say the updated policy represents one of the strictest and most protective cooling tower safety systems in the United States. Building owners will now be required to monitor cooling towers more frequently in an effort to reduce the risk of the potentially deadly Legionnaires’ disease.
Deputy Mayor for Health and Human Services Dr. Helen Arteaga said the Mamdani administration is prioritizing the health and safety of New Yorkers through practical measures. She noted that the updated regulations would strengthen cooling tower safety and help identify harmful bacteria more quickly.
Health Commissioner Dr. Alister Martin said protecting public health remains the city’s top priority and described the decision to require more frequent testing as a critical step forward.
Meanwhile, Ahmed Tigani, commissioner of the New York City Department of Buildings, said the new regulations would help building owners identify potential risks earlier and protect communities from exposure to harmful bacteria.
The measures were introduced following a major outbreak of Legionnaires’ disease in Central Harlem last year. During the 2025 outbreak, 118 people were infected, 92 were hospitalized, and at least seven people died. In response, the New York City Council approved amendments to the city’s cooling tower laws, introducing stricter testing requirements and higher penalties for violations.
As part of the new initiative, the health department has been allocated an additional $13 million in the 2027 fiscal year budget. The funding will support the hiring of 23 new water ecologists, increasing the number of cooling tower inspectors to 54. City officials say the goal is to inspect every registered cooling tower in New York each year.
Currently, there are approximately 4,000 registered cooling towers across the city’s five boroughs. The health department has already sent notices to building owners about the new requirements and is conducting training and awareness programs to ensure compliance.
Legionnaires’ disease is a severe form of pneumonia caused by Legionella bacteria, which thrive in warm and stagnant water. The bacteria can spread through water vapor released from cooling tower fans and infect people through inhalation.
People over the age of 50, smokers, and individuals with weakened immune systems are considered especially vulnerable. Symptoms include fever, cough, muscle pain, and difficulty breathing. Health officials say the disease can usually be treated successfully with antibiotics if detected early.
Cordell Cleare said she pushed for stronger legislation after last year’s deadly outbreak, adding that the new amendments represent an important advancement for public health protection.
Lynn Schulman said New Yorkers deserve strong public health protections, and more frequent testing will help buildings identify risks more quickly while ensuring the safety of residents, workers, and surrounding communities.