Upper West Side Co-op to Disinfect Hot-Water System After Legionella Detection

The Ardsley, a 22-story co-op at 320 Central Park West, reported that laboratory testing identified Legionella bacteria in samples taken from its domestic hot-water system. The building’s management hired Metrogroup, a water-management consulting firm, to evaluate the system and recommended a full disinfection and flushing on Thursday, July 16. Residents were instructed not to use hot water until they receive confirmation that the procedure is finished.

The testing was conducted independently by the building’s owner, not by the New York City Health Department. A senior health-department official told residents that drinking water and bathing remain safe, but they should limit steam-producing showers to reduce exposure to water mist, which can carry the bacteria.

No cases of Legionnaires’ disease have been linked to the building, and the health department emphasizes that the illness is not contagious and cannot be contracted by drinking water or using air-conditioning. Residents who develop flu-like symptoms such as fever, cough, shortness of breath, headache, or muscle aches are advised to seek medical care and inform providers of the Legionella finding.

The notice comes amid a broader city-wide concern, with 31 Upper East Side buildings reporting positive Legionella tests in cooling towers and 54 confirmed cases tied to that cluster. Health officials note that most exposures do not result in illness, though risk is higher for older adults, smokers, and individuals with certain chronic conditions.