HESGNY May 2026 Educational Seminar  

Meeting is Thursday May 14th!

1 hr CEU Credits

NEW LOCATION:  Roy and Diana Vagelos Education Center

Room 201 Auditorium 

104 Haven Ave, New York, NY 10032

Zoom Link:

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85407110765?pwd=HuprRBMdYyEnAqt0qLtlXGs2wNDPa9.1

NYC DOH 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 8, 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