Abstract: An improved recycling water cooler for a water cooled refrigeration system comprising first conduits interconnecting the water cooled refrigeration system and the recycling water cooler and the ambient water source for enabling the flow of water therebetween. Second conduits interconnect the water cooled refrigeration system and the recycling water cooler and the drain for enabling the flow of water therebetween. A first and second valve is interposed in the first and second conduits for enabling heated water discharged from the water cooled refrigeration system to enter the recycling water cooler to be cooled thereby and to be returned to the water cooled refrigeration system when the first and second valves are disposed in a first position. The first and second valves interconnect the water cooled refrigeration system to the ambient water source and to a drain for operating the water cooled refrigeration system in a conventional manner when the first and second valves are disposed in a second position.