Manganese dioxide is deposited by chemical and biological oxidation of dissolved manganese that occurs naturally in surface and groundwaters throughout the United States. In industrial cooling systems, manganese scales degrade heat exchanger performance and are commonly held to promote corrosion due to formation of underdeposit conditions. The direct galvanic action of manganese dioxide in the corrosion process is less well recognized and can promote severe localized attack. The present paper reviews the chemical and biological origins of manganese deposition and discusses mechanisms of manganese-related corrosion. A case history of surface condenser corrosion at a steam electric utility is presented and chemical methods used to control manganese fouling at this site are described. The performance of the chemical program at the end of one year is reviewed.