Abstract: The apparatus includes a spray nozzle having an orifice plate leading to a vertically oriented opening for directing liquid onto a dispersion plate which is disposed below. The dispersion plate is frusto-conically shaped and has a fluted outer periphery for breaking the liquid up into droplets. A central aperture is formed in the dispersion plate leading to a conical dispersion element which has raised projections on its surface for breaking liquid up into droplets. A filter screen can be removably mounted over the top of the orifice plate for filtering debris or the like prior to its entering the nozzle. The apparatus is especially adapted for use in cross flow water cooling towers.