New York State Sanitary Code, Subpart 4-1, Cooling Towers, was passed in July 2016 and requires all cooling tower owners and/or operators in New York State to sample, maintain, register, disinfect, and notify the local health department and the public of any elevated levels of Legionella.

Under this regulation the term cooling tower means a cooling tower, evaporative condenser, fluid cooler or other wet cooling device that is capable of aerosolizing water, and that is part of, or contains, a recirculated water system and is incorporated into a building’s cooling process, an industrial process, a refrigeration system, or an energy system. Most cooling towers are used for air conditioning and are shut down in the fall and opened again in the spring.

Saratoga County Department of Health works with operators of cooling towers to minimize the risk of Legionnaires’ disease outbreaks and to protect public health by ensuring proper management of cooling towers.

Legionnaires’ disease is caused by a type of bacteria known as Legionella. The Legionella bacteria are found naturally in the environment, usually in water. The bacteria grow best in warm water, like the kind found in hot tubs, cooling towers, hot water tanks, large plumbing systems, and decorative fountains that are not properly maintained. People get Legionnaires’ disease when they breathe in a mist or vapor containing the bacteria. The bacteria are not spread from one person to another person. A person diagnosed with Legionnaires’ disease is not a threat to others who share office space or other areas with him or her.

Most healthy individuals are unlikely to become infected with Legionella bacteria following exposure. However, certain groups are at higher risk of illness, including individuals aged 50 or older, current or former smokers, those with chronic lung conditions such as COPD or emphysema, individuals with weakened immune systems due to conditions like cancer, diabetes, or kidney failure, and those taking immunosuppressive medications, such as after organ transplants or chemotherapy.

Legionnaires’ disease can present with symptoms similar to pneumonia, making it challenging to diagnose. Common signs include cough, shortness of breath, high fever, muscle aches, and headaches. These symptoms typically appear 2 to 10 days after exposure to the bacteria.

Individuals who suspect they have been exposed to Legionella bacteria and are experiencing symptoms should promptly seek medical care.

According to the New York State Sanitary Code, Subpart 4-1, Cooling Towers, cooling tower operators have specific responsibilities to ensure proper maintenance, operation, and compliance to minimize the risk of Legionella bacteria growth and transmission. These responsibilities include:

  • Registration
  • Regular inspection and monitoring
  • Water quality testing
  • Disinfection and cleaning
  • Record keeping
  • Annual certification
  • Reporting

For more information, please see the following resources:

Register a Cooling Tower & Submit Reports

Cooling Tower Registry How-to-Guide

To report a violation or unsafe conditions please call the Saratoga County Department of Health at (518) 584-7460 or email us at en***********@sa**************.gov.
 

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