New York City to increase cooling tower inspections after legionnaires’ outbreaks

Key Points:

• New York lawmakers are proposing stricter regulations and increased inspections of cooling towers to prevent Legionnaires’ disease following deadly outbreaks in 2024 and 2025, which caused multiple deaths and hundreds of illnesses.
• Legionnaires’ disease, caused by the bacterium legionella found in poorly maintained cooling towers, poses a public health risk as the bacteria can spread through air circulation in large buildings like hospitals and hotels.
• The city plans to allocate $13 million in fiscal year 2027 for enhanced cooling tower inspections, including hiring 23 water ecologists, and requires building owners to test water for legionella every 31 days during operation—the strictest rule in the U.S.
• New legislation approved by Governor Kathy Hochul increases penalties for violations leading to serious illness or death and mandates biannual cooling tower certifications, while additional proposals seek to increase mandatory cleanings from twice to three times annually.
• Experts warn that rising global temperatures and increased air conditioning use will heighten the risk of Legionnaires’ disease, emphasizing the need for consistent maintenance and government oversight despite budget challenges faced by New York City.