Key facts
- New York City is implementing stricter regulations and increasing inspections for cooling towers following two Legionnaires' disease outbreaks.
- Legislation mandates biannual cooling tower certifications and raises penalties for violations resulting in serious illness or death.
- Building owners must now test cooling towers for legionella bacteria every 31 days of operation.
- The city is allocating an additional $13 million for cooling tower inspections and hiring water ecologists.
- Experts link the increased risk of Legionnaires' disease to rising global temperatures and greater reliance on air conditioning.
New York City is enacting stricter regulations and increasing inspections of cooling towers in response to two recent Legionnaires' disease outbreaks and a series of lawsuits. The disease, a severe form of pneumonia caused by legionella bacteria, is often linked to poorly maintained cooling systems in large buildings.
Experts highlight that these outbreaks are preventable with diligent maintenance and regular government oversight. The issue is becoming more critical as rising global temperatures increase reliance on air conditioning, potentially creating warmer water conditions where the bacteria thrive.
The Harlem neighborhood experienced an outbreak in August 2025, leading to seven deaths and over 100 illnesses. This summer, the Upper East Side saw 92 cases, 79 hospitalizations, and seven deaths, with samples from over 180 cooling towers testing positive for the bacteria.
Victims and their families have filed lawsuits against the city, NYC Health + Hospitals, and contractors. Attorneys emphasized that building owners and companies failed to account for the inherent risks associated with densely populated areas.
In response, New York City announced an additional $13 million in funding for cooling tower inspections, including hiring 23 water ecologists. New regulations require building owners to test cooling towers for legionella every 31 days, the strictest requirement in the country. Governor Kathy Hochul approved legislation mandating biannual cooling tower certifications and increased penalties for violations. City council member Virginia Maloney introduced legislation for cleaning cooling towers at least three times annually.
Despite a projected $8.8 billion budget gap for fiscal year 2028, public health experts view these preventative measures as a wise investment to stop outbreaks and reduce the risk of disease.