Recent news surrounding Legionella outbreaks has once again highlighted how essential proper cooling tower maintenance is for protecting both buildings and the people inside them. While it is natural to look toward regulations when issues arise, the reality is that most problems occur not because of gaps in the law, but because of day-to-day practices and oversight that fall short.

Regulations Are Not the Problem, Oversight Is

New York City has some of the strictest cooling tower requirements in the country, and for good reason. Cooling towers can be a breeding ground for Legionella bacteria if not properly maintained. Even with regulations in place, lapses in vendor practices, incomplete maintenance records, or a lack of owner awareness can create risk.

HLZAE’s Role: Trusted Advisors, Not Testers

At HLZAE, we want to be clear: we do not perform water testing or cleaning of cooling towers. That is the work of specialized vendors. Our role is to serve as trusted advisors to building owners, managers, and boards, ensuring that requirements are met and that you are never left to navigate compliance on your own.

Here is how we support our clients:

• Compliance Checks – Reviewing vendor agreements and maintenance records to confirm they meet NYC’s cooling tower requirements
• Stakeholder Communication – Attending board or tenant meetings to explain what is being done, answer concerns, and provide clarity
• Issue Support – Guiding building owners and managers if problems arise, so you are not left facing the City alone

Why It Matters

Cooling tower oversight is not just about avoiding violations. It is about protecting public health and safeguarding the trust of tenants, residents, and stakeholders. By having the right checks in place, owners can reduce risk while ensuring that their buildings are compliant, safe, and well managed.

Moving Forward with Confidence

In short: we do not do the testing, but we know the rules, the risks, and the path forward. If your building has a concern, or if you would simply like a compliance check-in, our team is here to guide and support you.