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HVAC+R: COOLING TOWER WATER USE

2/26/24

Cooling towers are used in many commercial and industrial buildings to remove heat from processes or spaces. Recently, building owners and facility managers have raised concerns around the significant amount of water they require to operate. This concern has led industry experts to develop and implement new technologies and strategies to improve water use efficiency in cooling towers.

Some of these strategies include:

Water treatment chemicals and systems that prevent the growth of harmful bacteria and algae, which can reduce the efficiency of the cooling tower, ultimately increasing water consumption.
Alternative water sources for cooling tower make-up water such as reclaimed water, rainwater, or treated wastewater.
Regular maintenance and cleaning of cooling tower basins, strainers, and nozzles to prevent clogging and improve system efficiency.
Upgrading to more efficient cooling tower equipment or retrofitting existing cooling towers with variable speed drives, adjustable flow rates, and automated controls to optimize system performance and reduce water use while maintaining adequate cooling capacity.

Overall, reducing water use in cooling towers is a critical consideration for building owners and managers. By implementing advanced technologies, optimizing equipment and systems, and prioritizing maintenance and design, significant water savings can be achieved, leading to lower water bills, reduced strain on local water resources, and improved environmental sustainability.