A cooling tower reduces the temperature in the air. It works by exposing water to fan-forced air. This process releases a mist of water into the air. 

Cooling towers can be on:

  • Commercial buildings
  • Industrial buildings
  • Residential buildings

They are different from water tanks, which store water for:

  • Drinking
  • Washing dishes
  • Showering

Buildings must register their cooling towers and cooling tower systems. Buildings that fail to register their towers may be subject to a fine.

Each year, building owners must certify they are following cooling tower regulations. The deadline is November 1. 

Learn more about cooling tower requirements.

You can get help registering a cooling tower. Email ctcompliance@health.nyc.gov to do so.

Your email will be answered within 2 business days.

Owners of buildings without cooling towers do not have to register.

You can get information about cooling towers registered at your building. Email ctcompliance@health.nyc.gov to do so.

Health Department staff will evaluate the status of the cooling tower registration for your building. They can decommission or inactivate cooling towers that do not exist.

Make sure to include the following in your email, if known:

  • Address
  • Building Identification Number (BIN)

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