HESGNY May 2026 Educational Seminar  

NOTE: Meeting is Thursday May 14th!

1 hr CEU Credits

NEW LOCATION!!!

TBD

Zoom Link:

NYCDOH Legionella Rules Update 2026

Presented and sponsored by JB&B Environmental

The New York City Department of Health & Mental Hygiene released proposed updates to cooling tower regulations under Chapter 8 of Title 24, effective 
May 9, 2026, pursuant to Local Law 159-2025.

The most notable change, following last summer’s outbreak, is mandatory monthly Legionella culture testing. Additional proposed requirements include:

• Annual certification of the Cooling Tower Management & Maintenance Plan (MMP) by a qualified person
• Municipal water required for tower fill during start-up/commissioning
• DOH approval required for use of non-potable makeup water
• Documented valve schedules for all operating configurations
• Risk procedures for components idle more than three (3) days
• Increased disinfectant testing when bacteria indicators exceed limits
• “In operation” is broader than “running”; once the system contains water, it is treated as in operation.
• Mandatory reporting of seasonal start-up and shutdown dates
• Full record availability at inspection and complete system drainage during shutdown
• Doubled fines and new violation categories

All existing Cooling Tower Management & Maintenance Plans (MPP) will require updates.

Speaker:

Al Barba