MGM CTLR EXPRESSED CONCERN REGARDING TOWER VIS RESTRS CAUSED BY CONDENSATION; CITING LIMITED CAPACITY OF EXTERNAL SPRINKLER SYSTEM AS A CONTRIBUTING FACTOR.

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UPON OPENING THE CTL TOWER THIS MORNING; I FOUND ALL 12 WINDOWS TO BE COMPLETELY COVERED ON THE EXTERIOR WITH CONDENSATION. THE TOWER HAS AN EXTERNAL SPRINKLER SYSTEM TO RINSE THE CONDENSATION OFF THE WINDOWS; BUT IT ONLY WORKS ON 5 OF THE 12 WINDOWS. THE REST OF THE SYSTEM HAS BEEN OUT OF SERVICE FOR A COUPLE OF MONTHS. HAVING 58% OF THE WINDOWS UNUSABLE MAKES IT IMPOSSIBLE TO SEE THE FINAL APCH COURSE FOR RWY 28 AND VERY HARD TO SEE THE NUMBERS TO ENSURE SAFETY OF DEPS. SOME TOWERS HAVE A HOSE ON THE CATWALK TO ALLOW THE CTLRS TO HOSE OFF THE WINDOWS; BUT WE DON'T HAVE A HOSE; PLUS ACCESS TO THE CATWALK REQUIRES SOME PHYSICAL PROWESS AS YOU MUST EXIT THROUGH A SMALL DOOR (ABOUT 30 INCHES X 30 INCHES) FROM A WALL-MOUNTED LADDER. AND OF COURSE; WE WOULD HAVE TO DO THIS IN BUSINESS CASUAL ATTIRE. PLUS; ONLY ONE PERSON OPENS THE TOWER CAB AND THIS WOULD REQUIRE EXTRA TIME; POSSIBLY RESULTING IN THE LATE OPENING OF THE TOWER. IT WOULD SEEM THAT THE FAA SHOULD INVEST THE MONEY TO REPAIR SYSTEMS THAT IMPACT SAFETY; EVEN IF THEY AREN'T THE MORE GLAMOROUS OR OBVIOUS ONES.