Tenants in a New York City apartment complex have been without showers for nearly two months due to the presence of Legionnaires' disease-causing bacteria in the water system. Residents of Haven Plaza, an Alphabet City development, alongside local lawmakers, held a rally on Thursday to voice concerns about what they describe as a slow and confusing response from both city health officials and the building's management.
Residents at the 371-unit Haven Plaza, managed by Catholic Home of New York and Wavecrest Management, reported that the first resident fell ill with Legionnaires' disease in May 2025, with a second case reported in May 2026. A subsequent positive test for Legionella bacteria in June prompted a wave of what tenants called inadequate advice and inaction. Tenants stated they were advised by health officials to use hoses for bathing, avoid showering altogether, or boil water before use.
"There is no sense of urgency to actually resolve this problem," said Dana Cruz, the tenants’ association president. "Our tenants have been directed to not shower." Cruz also criticized Wavecrest and Catholic Homes for refusing requests for mobile showers, rent relief, and bottled drinking water while residents awaited a resolution. "Residents still do not know what this plan looks like," she added. "We have no idea the vendor, the chemicals, how long, the timing — none of it."
The delayed response has led some residents to question the attention they are receiving compared to other city issues. "He's not acknowledging us at all down here," said Kathy Nataadiningrat, a resident for 42 years, referring to Mayor Zohran Mamdani. "Everything is uptown, not us little people down here."
Public officials at the rally, including Public Advocate Jumaane Williams and City Councilman Harvey Epstein, also criticized the health department's handling of the situation. Manhattan Borough President Brad Hoylman-Sigal stated, "No New Yorkers should be uncertain of the safety of their tap water. For months, no use of showers. For months, uncertainty of their water."
A remediation plan provided by a resident indicates plumbing work began on Tuesday, with the plan including periodic water shut-offs and a 30-day treatment period. Residents have expressed past difficulties with city services, noting that after Superstorm Sandy, it took weeks to restore electricity to their neighborhood.
In a joint statement, Catholic Homes and Wavecrest Management confirmed that the city health department has approved their remediation plan, which includes a full water treatment and disinfection process. They advised residents to continue following the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene's guidelines and stated that residents would be notified of any service disruptions. City Hall and health department officials did not immediately respond to requests for comment.