Large facilities and industrial operations both require advanced strategies to manage their water use. For many, this involves using a cooling tower, and some facilities may require more than one unit. However, owning and operating a cooling tower involves more than installing the machinery and turning it on. Owning a cooling tower in New York City comes with the added responsibility that you must register your tower and comply with New York state and local laws. Here is more on new york state cooling tower registration.
Why You Must Register Your Tower
In 2015, New York City experienced an outbreak of Legionella, the bacteria that causes Legionnaires’ disease – a serious type of pneumonia. This outbreak concerned researchers who then searched to discover the outbreak’s cause. It was not long before they discovered the source: cooling towers. Cooling towers had released water particles contaminated by Legionella bacteria.
The Legionella bacterial cultures had multiplied within the cooling tower system before expelling into the air as mist and condensation. When people breathed in the contaminated water particles, they contracted the disease. Today, New York City law requires registration and regular inspection of cooling towers to combat the spread of harmful bacteria and to quickly contain and control any future exposure to Legionella.
Information Needed For New York State Cooling Tower Registration
The first step in registering your cooling tower in NYC is to submit a record to the Department of Buildings’ database. When enrolling in your facility’s cooling system, you must first enter basic information such as your name, phone number, and email address. After entering your personal information, you are required to add additional details about the tower’s location, the building it services, and its equipment specifications.
The specifications you must record include the manufacturer’s name, serial number, and capacity of the cooling tower, among other information. Your cooling tower installer can help you to locate these details and input them correctly into the system so that your registration is completed accurately.
Where To Register
Registration takes place through the Department of Buildings’ online portal. Upon loading the portal, users may either register a new account or log in with an established account. Once logged in, you can begin your registration by submitting information about your cooling tower. For documentation as well as future reference, it is helpful to keep a physical copy of your registration details in a separate, physical location. This way, you are sure that the information is correct if it ever needs to be resubmitted or shown as part of a compliance check.
Other Responsibilities
Your duties do not end at registering your cooling tower. Each year, you must submit a recertification request to your state and local government. Certification requires you to provide thorough documentation that your cooling tower has met the city municipal requirements for testing, cleaning, and disinfection. New York City law also requires documentation that the cooling tower is up to date on both maintenance and inspection.
Maintaining a regular cleaning and maintenance schedule will keep your cooling tower in optimal condition. The details of your cleaning and maintenance process will depend on your water source, your building’s unique needs, and environmental factors. An expert can help you to craft an appropriate water management plan that fulfills your regulatory requirements and is customized to suit your specific building’s risk factors.
Failure To Register
If you fail to register your tower, or fail to keep your certification, inspection, and maintenance up to date, you can be charged with a violation that carries fines as high as $10,000. New York City takes the health of its residents seriously—any negligence on the part of cooling tower owners could undermine the city’s duty to protect its residents. Be mindful that if you receive a violation, you may have a limited window of time to bring your cooling tower up to code.
Trust The Experts To Help You Navigate Your New York State Cooling Tower Registration
In New York City and across the country, laws require cooling tower owners to register their machinery in order to protect residents from Legionella bacteria and other water-borne microbes or pathogens. Online registration is simple but once the tower is registered, don’t forget your responsibility to regularly clean and inspect it.
If you want to learn more about how to stay in compliance with New York City and New York State cooling tower regulations, you don’t have to do it alone. The experts at Tower Water would be happy to help you prepare a comprehensive water treatment strategy. Reach out to learn more about the variety of services we offer, or schedule an appointment to get started today.