The effects of various levels of coagulation have been examined for natural organic matter (NOM) removal and disinfection byproduct (DBP) control, but it is unclear how optimizing treatment for NOM removal correlates with microbial and particulate control. Of special concern is Cryptosporidium parvum oocysts removal, yet accurately assessing its number concentration is difficult. Though particle counting and turbidity offer a gross measure of contaminant removal, they do not necessarily assess microbial removal. A new method of assessing microbial quality now under investigation is the quantification of indigenous bacterial endospores. Unlike Cryptosporidium detection, endospore detection is less labor intensive and more sensitive. This study evaluated coagulation processes for the removal of C. parvum oocysts and other surrogate parameters.