The South Bronx, which is a part of New York City, had a reported dozen deaths over this summer from Legionnaires disease. In addition, more than 120 people became ill. This outbreak prompted Governor Andrew Cuomo to enact an emergency measure regarding cooling towers.
All cooling towers must now be registered in the state of New York. They also must be cleaned within 90 days and inspected every 90 days thereafter. Annually, every cooling tower must be certified as clean.