Legionella Contamination Found At Harlem Building

Two tenants contracted Legionnaires' disease in the apartment complex on Broadway

Feb. 3, 2026 at 4:39pm

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New York City's health inspectors have found Legionella bacteria, which cause Legionnaires' disease, at two buildings in a Harlem apartment complex located at 3333 Broadway. The apartment complex is having its plumbing system treated after two tenants contracted Legionnaires' disease. Both Towers A and B tested positive for the bacteria.

Why it matters

Legionnaires' disease is a serious type of pneumonia caused by Legionella bacteria that thrive in warm water environments like building plumbing systems. The discovery of the contamination in this Harlem apartment complex raises concerns about public health and the need for proper water management to prevent the spread of this potentially deadly illness.

The details

The investigation began in early January after a second case of Legionnaires' disease was reported in the same apartment complex within 12 months, which automatically triggers a Health Department investigation. The building began a treatment and remediation process on Sunday and is working to meet the agency's tight timeline. The remediation will largely take place within mechanical and plumbing systems, and may result in temporary water shut-offs inside the building.

  • In early January, a second case of Legionnaires' disease was reported in the same apartment complex within 12 months.
  • On Sunday, the building began a treatment and remediation process.

The players

New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene

The government agency that found the Legionella contamination and is overseeing the remediation process at the Harlem apartment complex.

3333 Broadway apartment complex

The Harlem apartment building where Legionella bacteria were found in Towers A and B, leading to a plumbing system treatment and remediation process.

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What they’re saying

“Noone else has tested positive for Legionnaires disease at these buildings,”

— Health department spokesperson (Patch.com)

“We know that this situation is alarming and not ideal. It's important to remember that legionella exists virtually everywhere in nature and throughout urban and rural water systems. For reasons out of our control, the bacteria here grew to a potentially harmful level.”

— Apartment complex management (Patch.com)

What’s next

The health department is hosting a meeting on Tuesday night at 6:30 p.m. at 3333 Broadway for the residents of the building to learn more.

The takeaway

This Legionella contamination in a Harlem apartment complex highlights the importance of proper water management and maintenance in buildings to prevent the spread of Legionnaires' disease, a serious type of pneumonia that can be deadly if not treated promptly. The remediation efforts underway aim to address the immediate risk and protect public health in the community.