The objective of this investigation is to evaluate various alternatives of wastestream management at the Cincinnati Water Works (CWW). This paper addresses hydraulic and water quality characteristics of seven major individual and combined wastestreams collected through a yearlong investigation. This investigation was done to better position CWW to address the Filter Backwash Recycle Regulations and residual management of wastestreams. Three alternatives of wastestream management have been explored: disposal to a local sewer; disposal to a receiving body of water; and, treatment followed by recycle of clarified supernatant (treat and recycle). At this stage of the investigation, disposal to a receiving body of water through an NPDES permit appears to be the best alternative followed by the treat and recycle option. Due to hydraulic limitations and high capital investments, probability of "disposal to a local sewer" option is very remote. Includes 8 references, tables, figures.