A previously described traceable polymer dispersant system has now been expanded to include the most widely used polymer in water treatment, low molecular weight polyacrylic acid. Bench tests clearly show that this low molecular weight polyacrylic acid has the same scale inhibition and dispersancy properties as its nontraceable analogue. It is ideal for systems that are subject to upset conditions and thus need frequent monitoring of the free polymer level. A series of pilot cooling tests, using a zinc phosphate program, illustrate how this traceable polymer system can be used to effectively handle pH excursions and maintain maximum heat transfer. Keywords: Traceable polymer, tagged polymer, immunoassay, dispersant, adsorption, polymeric stabilizer, detection, monitor, dosage, strip test.