NEW YORK, Aug. 6, 2026 — A New York attorney representing victims of Legionnaires' disease says New York State's new cooling tower law is a long-overdue response that should have been enacted before a deadly outbreak on Manhattan's Upper East Side claimed seven lives.

On August 5, New York Governor Kathy Hochul signed legislation requiring owners and operators of New York City cooling towers to certify twice each year that their systems have been inspected, tested, cleaned, and disinfected in accordance with the city's Administrative Code. The new law requires cooling tower owners to correct maintenance deficiencies within 48 hours and notify the Department of Buildings within 24 hours when testing detects microbial levels that pose a serious public health risk. It also establishes higher penalties for noncompliance, increasing fines to $2,500 for a first violation, $7,000 for subsequent violations and up to $12,500 when violations contribute to a fatality or serious injury.

The legislation follows a month-long Upper East Side Legionnaires' disease outbreak that killed seven people, sickened 92 others and left five hospitalized, according to the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene. During the city's investigation, inspectors tested 183 cooling towers at 160 buildings and found Legionella bacteria in 77 cooling towers at 75 buildings. Fifty-nine contaminated towers at 58 buildings were subsequently cleaned and disinfected before the city declared the outbreak over on July 31.

Ronald J. Katter, founder of Katter Law Firm, who has represented victims of multiple Legionnaires' disease outbreaks in New York, says the legislation is a step in the right direction but should have been implemented years ago.

"No one should have to die before the government decides stronger oversight is necessary," Katter said. "This law acknowledges that cooling towers require stricter monitoring, but that recognition came only after seven families lost loved ones. The state and the city should have acted aggressively when the outbreak began — or better yet, before it ever happened. Public health shouldn't depend on reacting to a tragedy."

If you or someone you know has been sickened or injured as a result of Legionnaires’ disease, contact the “Legionnaires’ Lawyer” — Ronald Katter. Katter and his firm will help you protect your rights and get the compensation you deserve. To schedule a free consultation, contact us at (212) 809-4293 or visit our contact page.

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About The Katter Law Firm
The Katter Law Firm is a premier New York City personal injury and medical malpractice law firm specializing in public health negligence and Legionella outbreak litigation. Founder Ronald J. Katter and his team are dedicated to holding negligent property owners and public entities accountable to secure just compensation for victims of preventable illnesses.