HARLEM, Manhattan (PIX11) — Test results now show that Legionella bacteria were in the water system at one of Harlem’s largest apartment complexes.
The New York City Health Department took the samples in early January after two residents of 3333 Broadway tested positive for Legionnaires’ Disease in a twelve-month period.
A spokesperson for the New York City Health Department said in a statement, “Noone else has tested positive for Legionnaires disease at these buildings. In coordination with building management and their water management team, the next steps include hiring a water management team and performing remediation of the water system to address the immediate risk. Building management will perform follow-up testing to confirm the effectiveness of treatment.”
There’s been no estimate as to how long the cleanup will take. Residents have been told to avoid water vapor from hot showers. Tenant Matt Reid told PIX11 News, “It’s been pretty difficult, because you know, with the wintertime. I just want to see them handle this in a great deal of urgency.”
Remediation is being done in Towers A and B, which share a water system. Tenants like Stephanie Geyer told PIX11 News they want the entire building’s water system cleaned, adding, “obviously if this is on our doorsteps, you can see from the building they are not separate buildings, but adjoining towers in one solid building.”
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The building’s management issued a statement saying, “After working closely with the NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH) to test the hot water system in Towers A and B, unfortunately, legionella bacteria were detected. This is obviously not the result we were hoping for, but we have shifted into action to begin the treatment and remediation process carefully prescribed by the Department. We continue to fully comply with their processes, and to communicate proper guidance and next steps with our tenants whose safety remains our main priority.”
There will be a meeting for tenants in Towers A and B on Tuesday at 6:30 p.m. at 3333 Broadway.
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