Continued accumulation and growth of microorganisms in a industrial water system cause a number of problems. Good corrosion and deposit control programs are incumbent upon a successful microbial control program. A plant unable to control microbial growth can — and very often will — experience increased difficulty controlling corrosion and deposition.

Another problem associated with microbial infestation is the deterioration of industrial tower lumber. This not only reduces efficiency of industrial tower operation, but adds substantially to the operating cost of the plant. Microbiological growths also directly cause other problems by their presence, among them odors and environmental pollution.