New York City to increase cooling tower inspections after legionnaires’ outbreaks
Summary
New York City is increasing inspections and rules for cooling towers after deadly outbreaks of legionnaires’ disease over the past two summers. The disease spreads from bacteria in cooling tower water that is not properly cleaned, causing serious lung infections. The city plans more testing, staff hires, and stricter regulations to prevent future outbreaks.Key Facts
- Legionnaires’ disease is a serious pneumonia caused by the legionella bacteria.
- Cooling towers in large air-conditioning systems can spread the bacteria if not cleaned regularly.
- New York City had two major outbreaks recently, with several deaths and many illnesses.
- The city found 59 out of 180 cooling towers tested had legionella bacteria.
- Routine cleaning, disinfecting, and water testing of cooling towers can prevent the disease.
- New York City’s inspections of cooling towers dropped significantly before the 2025 outbreak due to staff shortages.
- The city will spend $13 million in 2027 to increase inspections and hire 23 water specialists.
- New laws require building owners to test cooling tower water every 31 days during operation, the strictest rule in the U.S.
Read the Full Article
This is a fact-based summary from The Actual News. Click below to read the complete story directly from the original source.
