New York is strengthening public health protections in New York City after Gov. Kathy Hochul signed legislation on Aug. 5 requiring building owners and operators to certify twice a year that cooling towers have been properly inspected, tested, cleaned and disinfected.
The law is intended to reduce the risk of Legionnaires' disease outbreaks by establishing stricter reporting requirements, setting deadlines to address hazardous conditions and increasing penalties for violations.
The legislation, S08472-A/A09058A, applies to cooling towers across New York City and requires certifications every January and July, or by dates established by the New York City Department of Buildings.
“Protecting the health and safety of New Yorkers is my highest priority,” said Gov. Kathy Hochul. “Recent outbreaks of Legionnaires' disease underscore the urgency of certification requirements and we look forward to working with the city to ensure New Yorkers are protected against these public health threats.”
Building owners must correct maintenance deficiencies within 48 hours and notify the department while taking corrective action within 24 hours if testing detects dangerous levels of microbes that pose a serious public health threat. Civil penalties have also increased to $2,500 for a first violation, $7,000 for subsequent violations and up to $12,500 if a violation results in serious injury or death.
The new requirements are intended to better protect New Yorkers, including Brooklyn residents, by reducing exposure to Legionella bacteria, which can spread through contaminated water vapor from poorly maintained cooling towers. Legionnaires' disease is a severe form of pneumonia that can cause fever, chills, muscle aches and cough and can be fatal in some cases.
The legislation builds on existing cooling tower regulations by strengthening accountability and requiring faster responses when public health risks are identified.
The law also supports continued efforts to prevent future outbreaks through stronger oversight, routine testing and timely maintenance of cooling towers.
Health agencies will continue promoting awareness of Legionnaires' disease and encouraging testing during the summer months, while the city will enforce the updated certification requirements and penalties. Building owners are expected to comply with the new inspection schedule and reporting deadlines as the law takes effect.
