Urban American Uses LiquiTech Multi-Barrier Water Treatment to Reduce Legionella at 3333 Broadway to Non-Detectable Level

Remediation Completes Measures Required By NYC DOHMH Commissioner's Order

WESTMONT, Ill., Sept. 29, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Urban American, a leading sponsor, owner and operator of multifamily housing, and LiquiTech^®, the global leader in smart water management for buildings, today announced that remediation measures have been completed in compliance with the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene ("DOHMH") Commissioner's Order dated January 6, 2026, relating to Legionella bacteria in the building water system at 3333 Broadway, the largest residential structure in Manhattan. In response to the DOHMH Order, Urban American implemented a multi-barrier water management system from LiquiTech, as part of a remediation program under which subsequent sampling in August 2026 detected no Legionella at the locations tested.

Commonly found occurring naturally in source water, Legionella can cause Legionnaires' Disease, a serious and often fatal form of pneumonia. A U.S. Environmental Protection Agency review of the scientific literature reported detection of Legionella at nearly half the taps sampled in the studies surveyed.¹ Traditional approaches to remediation rely on the use of oxidant-based chemicals like chlorine for disinfection. Adoption of this method is rooted in a perception of low upfront cost, but total cost of remediation often grows dramatically when such approach ultimately prove ineffective. 

A Commissioner's Order was originally issued on December 29, 2025, and updated January 6, 2026. Baseline sampling at 3333 Broadway confirmed the presence of Legionella in the building water system. Urban American determined that efficacy was the most important criteria for selecting a solution to support their remediation. The commitment to finding a solution that would not just ensure DOHMH compliance, but support the long-term wellness and satisfaction of residents, led the company to choose LiquiTech.

LiquiTech copper-silver ionization, which uses copper and silver ions to deliver ongoing bacterial kill in building water systems, was implemented at 3333 Broadway. It was supplemented by LiquiTech's patented sediment filtration, deployed at the point of entry for city water into the affected towers, to reduce the particulate matter that provides food and shelter to Legionella bacteria. The building's multi-barrier solution was completed with the implementation of LiquiTech UV light disinfection, which can kill nearly all bacteria associated with waterborne pathogens, as well as smart water sensors that provide Urban American with real-time visibility into key aspects of their water system. 

In the wake of these improvements, sampling conducted in August 2026 by an independent certified industrial hygienist detected no Legionella at the locations tested at 3333 Broadway, at the reporting limit of the analytical method used.

"There is no higher priority than providing a safe and healthy living environment for the residents in our buildings," said James Eisenberg, President of Urban American. "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." 

In addition to reducing Legionella positivity, key criteria for Urban American included a system that would not require the building water service to be interrupted, did not employ potentially toxic chemicals, and would not corrode pipes and equipment. LiquiTech's approach is specifically designed to improve the efficiency and longevity of water-bearing equipment by reducing the corrosion and buildup associated with high sediment levels and oxidant-based chemicals. 

"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," said Tory Schira, CEO of LiquiTech. "After a review of the available solutions, Urban American selected LiquiTech's multi-barrier system. We are proud to have partnered with them on this project."

Sampling results described in this release reflect conditions at the specific locations and times sampled and are not a representation or guarantee of future results. No water treatment technology eliminates all risk associated with waterborne pathogens. Building owners and operators should maintain an ongoing water management program consistent with applicable standards and legal requirements.

About Urban American
Founded in 1997, Urban American is a vertically integrated sponsor, owner and operator of multifamily workforce housing. The firm has acquired, owned and improved more than 22,000 apartment units across New York, New Jersey, Colorado and Texas, investing over $500 million in capital improvements and more than $50 million in energy efficiency and carbon reduction projects. Urban American's fully integrated platform spans acquisition, development and management, combining centralized back-office services and asset management with on-site property operations. For more information, visit urbanamerican.net.

About LiquiTech
For three decades, LiquiTech has provided water treatment solutions to healthcare, hospitality, multi-family, education, commercial, and industrial customers. With sustainable technologies designed to improve water quality, control the growth of waterborne pathogens, and minimize the risk of infections without generating harmful byproducts that can impact humans, plumbing systems, or the environment, our mission is to deliver water treatment solutions that are good for people, good for business, and good for the planet.

For more information about how LiquiTech is fulfilling its mission visit www.liquitech.com, or find LiquiTech on LinkedIn and YouTube. © 2026 LiquiTech Inc. All rights reserved. Cited marks are the property of LiquiTech Inc and/or its affiliates. 

Media: Aaron Stronberg, 847.738.0933, [email protected]

1.US EPA, Sept 2016. Technologies for Legionella Control in Premise Plumbing Systems: Scientific Literature Review.

SOURCE LiquiTech, Inc.