Urban American Completes Legionella Remediation

Urban American has completed a water-system remediation program at 3333 Broadway in Manhattan using a multi-barrier system from LiquiTech. The work responds to a New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene Commissioner’s Order updated January 6, 2026, after baseline testing confirmed Legionella in the building water system. Sampling by an independent certified industrial hygienist in August 2026 detected no Legionella at the locations tested, at the reporting limit of the analytical method used. The 1,200-unit complex received copper-silver ionization, sediment filtration, UV disinfection and smart water sensors.

A Multi Barrier Treatment System

Legionella occurs naturally in source water and can cause Legionnaires’ Disease, a serious and often fatal form of pneumonia. An U.S. Environmental Protection Agency review of scientific literature reported that Legionella was detected at nearly half the taps sampled across the studies it surveyed.

Urban American selected LiquiTech’s system after identifying efficacy as its main criterion for the remediation. Copper-silver ionization provides ongoing bacterial kill in building water systems, while patented sediment filtration was installed at city-water entry points for the affected towers to reduce particulate matter that can provide food and shelter to Legionella bacteria.

LiquiTech also installed UV light disinfection, which can kill nearly all bacteria associated with waterborne pathogens, alongside smart water sensors designed to give Urban American real-time visibility into key aspects of its water system.

Avoiding Service Interruptions

The property owner also sought an approach that would not interrupt building water service, use potentially toxic chemicals or corrode pipes and equipment. LiquiTech says its approach is designed to reduce corrosion and buildup associated with high sediment levels and oxidant-based chemicals.

“There is no higher priority than providing a safe and healthy living environment for the residents in our buildings. When Legionella was identified at one of the towers at 3333 Broadway, we immediately took action to address the problem and protect our tenants. LiquiTech's system played an important role in helping us eliminate the issue without repeated service shutdowns which seriously affect the quality of life for hardworking families in the building. Most importantly, we were able to resolve the problem safely and effectively, protect the plumbing infrastructure and layer in protection against future potential exposure for the entire 1,200 unit complex.”

Results At The Tested Locations

The August sampling results apply to the specific locations and times tested, rather than serving as a guarantee of future results. LiquiTech noted that no water treatment technology eliminates all risk from waterborne pathogens, and building owners and operators should maintain an ongoing water management program that meets applicable standards and legal requirements.

“For owners and operators of apartment buildings, hotels, hospitals - really any large, occupied building - Urban American is an example of putting occupants first by taking decisive action to address the root cause of the problem. After a review of the available options, Urban American selected LiquiTech's multi-barrier system. We are proud to have partnered with them on this project.”