A proposed New York City legislation in which large building owners have to regularly test for the presence of legionella bacteria in their water systems – not just in cooling towers – stalled The city council for almost two years, while a recent Harlem outbreak has killed seven, has learned the position.
The legislation, sponsored by Bronx Councilwoman Pierina Ana Sanchez, would require owners of large buildings with multiple units or house people aged 65 and older to develop a water management and treatment system for Legionella or Legionnires disease.
“This most recent outbreak in Harlem [which sickened 114 people and killed 7] is a wake -up call for New York. We have to do better to help protect the health of our citizens, especially the most vulnerable population such as the elderly and immunocomromitated people, “said April McIver, executive director of the Plumbing Foundation.
But the bill – intro. 434 – Since January 2024, the health committee has been taken without a hearing or a mood.
“At least, building water systems or water devices must be inspected and tested at least as often as every six months. Each inspection includes an evaluation of the general state of the components of the building water system or water device,” the text of the bill, supported by at least 23 council members, says.
Building owners must hire a qualified third -party water monster to collect and test the water.
The contractor would send water samples to a laboratory to test for the presence of legionella bacteria.
If the sample is positive for the fatal bacteria, the owner of the building must take quickly corrective actions and immediately inform tenants and visitors.
The health department can also investigate a building without prior notice to enforce the Legionella prevention provisions.
According to the account, building owners are confronted with fines of at least $ 500 for the first violation, $ 1,000 for the second violation and $ 5,000 for each subsequent violation.
The law would take effect 180 days after the law.
The Sanchez office refused a request for comment why her account did not move.
During a press conference last Friday, the first deputy mayor Randy Mastro said that the outbreak of Harlem showed the need for regulations even more stricter than the current aggressive rules of New York, which ask for cooling towers for the 90 days.
“We have learned that the acquisition of parties to test on a 30 -day cycle can be very positive progress in the future,” he said.
But McKiver said: “The laws of the city are not going into domestic/drinking water systems, despite scientific
Proof that such systems are an important source of legionella. “
She proposed changes to strengthen the bill, including more extensive instructions about water tests and monitoring that will be presented when there is a hearing about the measure.
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