New York City officials are taking decisive steps to combat Legionnaires’ disease following recent outbreaks, particularly in Harlem. During a city council health committee meeting on September 20, 2025, discussions centered on enhancing cooling tower inspections and improving safety protocols for city workers exposed to the disease.

Deborah Williams, director of safety and health at District Council 37, emphasized the need for more proactive measures, citing past outbreaks and the insufficient number of inspectors currently overseeing cooling tower compliance. Williams noted that the health department is only alerted after two cases of Legionnaires’ disease, suggesting that the threshold should be lowered to one case to prevent further spread.

City officials acknowledged the concerns raised about the adequacy of current inspection protocols. Carmen de Leon, president of Local 768, highlighted communication failures during the recent outbreak linked to a cooling tower at Central Harlem Clinic, which left staff uninformed about potential risks. De Leon called for better outreach and support from the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH) to ensure that healthcare workers are adequately protected.

The meeting also featured calls for legislative changes to strengthen testing and maintenance requirements not only for cooling towers but for entire building water systems. Experts argued that current laws are insufficient, as they primarily focus on cooling towers while neglecting other potential sources of Legionella bacteria within plumbing systems.

John Mullen, director of technical services for the International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials, advocated for the adoption of comprehensive risk management standards for building water systems to enhance public health safety. He stressed the importance of training for personnel involved in water system management to mitigate risks associated with Legionnaires’ disease.

As the city grapples with these health challenges, officials are urged to implement the proposed changes swiftly to protect New Yorkers and prevent future outbreaks. The committee plans to review the testimonies and recommendations presented during the meeting, signaling a commitment to improving public health measures in the face of ongoing threats from Legionnaires’ disease.