What maintenance action is recommended when a cooling tower lacks water chemical treatment?

• A. Drain the tower every one to two weeks and replace with fresh water
• B. Add minerals
• C. Decrease water flow
• D. Increase air flow

Answer: (A)

When cooling towers lack water chemical treatment, dissolved solids, minerals, and any microbes quickly concentrate and cause scaling, corrosion, and biological growth. Draining the tower and refilling with fresh water is the best immediate action because it physically removes accumulated solids and contaminants, effectively resetting the water chemistry and reducing immediate risks until proper treatment can be applied. After refilling, it's essential to establish and maintain an appropriate chemical program (biocides, pH control, corrosion and scale inhibitors) and monitor water quality regularly.

Adding minerals would worsen scaling and corrosion. Decreasing water flow would raise concentration of dissolved solids and reduce cooling efficiency. Increasing air flow does not address the water chemistry problem and may spread contaminants or increase losses without solving the underlying issue.