New York introduces Legislation to prevent Legionnaires’ disease
- MWT TEAM
- Dec 5
- 3 min read
In response to multiple Legionnaires’ disease outbreaks across New York, including a fatal cluster in Central Harlem, state lawmakers are taking decisive action to prevent future incidents associated with waterborne bacteria.
Senator Cordell Cleare (D-Harlem) and Assemblymember Linda B. Rosenthal (D/WF-Manhattan) have introduced legislation (A.9095/S.8499) aimed at closing long-standing gaps in building water safety and public health protection.
The proposal outlines a robust, source-to-tap prevention strategy, from treatment plants to indoor plumbing, addressing how Legionella pneumophila, the bacterium responsible for Legionnaires’ disease, spreads through complex water systems.
Legionnaires’ disease, a severe form of pneumonia, remains one of the most persistent waterborne threats in the United States. New York consistently ranks among the top states for reported cases each year.
This summer, seven lives were lost and over 100 individuals fell ill in Harlem alone, with related cases appearing in the Bronx and across Westchester County.
The pattern underscores what health experts have long warned about: the ideal conditions for Legionella growth.
Aging infrastructure
Warm water temperatures
Poor maintenance practices
Recognizing that outbreaks often stem from preventable conditions within plumbing systems, the proposed A.9095/S.8499 legislation outlines a comprehensive framework to protect water systems at every stage, from municipal treatment to the point of use.
Key Aspects of the New York Legionella Prevention Bill
The A.9095/S.8499 bill introduces several key reforms that could redefine how water systems are monitored and managed statewide:
Higher disinfection standards: Water system operators will be required to maintain a minimum free chlorine residual of 0.5 mg/L, ensuring stronger baseline protection throughout distribution networks.
Mandatory public notifications: Facilities and consumers must be promptly informed of any disruptions or maintenance events that could elevate Legionella risk, enabling faster mitigation.
Building-level water management programs: Property owners must adopt Legionella prevention plans based on CDC and ASHRAE standards 188 & 514, incorporating testing, temperature control, and disinfection protocols.
Comprehensive case investigations: Every reported case will lead to an environmental traceback of potential exposure sources, ensuring more accurate identification of infection origins.
Public education & awareness: A statewide campaign will inform residents about Legionella risks, early symptoms, and maintenance practices that reduce exposure.
Annual transparency reports: Data on cases, violations, and enforcement actions will be compiled and reported annually to state leaders.
Dedicated prevention fund: A new Legionnaires’ Disease Prevention Fund will channel penalties and fines toward awareness, training, and remediation initiatives.
Despite its preventable nature, the disease remains deadly; one in ten patients died from infection, with higher mortality rates among those with compromised immunity or chronic illness.
The proposed New York legislation signals a shift toward a prevention-first approach, linking municipal oversight, building responsibility, and public awareness into a cohesive framework. It recognizes that water safety is not confined to treatment plants; it extends to every pipe, faucet, and showerhead.
From source to tap: Certified protection at every drop
At Mentor Water Technologies, we share the same commitment to proactive prevention through certified water safety solutions. With 0.08 µm ultrafiltration, our systems provide a point-of-use physical barrier, effectively preventing Legionella pneumophila, NTM, and other waterborne pathogens.
Each product is manufactured in an EPA-FIFRA Registered facility (Est. No. 105402-NLD-1) and certified to leading global standards, including NSF P376, ASSE 2011-2022, and ASTM F838-2020, ensuring reliability that supports compliance with ASHRAE standards 188 and 514, CDC guidelines, and EPA WaterSense criteria.
By integrating certified point-of-use and point-of-entry filtration into their water management plans, hospitals, long-term care facilities, and multi-unit buildings can create resilient systems that protect residents and staff alike.
For dealers, this means more than offering filtration. It’s about delivering certified protection that builds trust with every client.
Learn more about Mentor Water Technologies' certified solutions or contact the Mentor Water Technologies team for a technical consultation.
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