Trouble-free operation of cooling water systems is essential for efficient pro¬duction in most industrial facilities. Improper water treatments frequently cause such problems as corrosion, scaling, fouling and slime formation. Water quality, methods of cooling and materials of construction in the cooling circuit should be carefully studied before making selection of the water treatment programs. This paper reviewed cooling water problems encountered frequently in the open recirculating cooling systems and discussed the counter measures how to cope with them.