The Information Collection Rule (ICR) published in the Federal Register on May 14, 1996 required some public water supplies to conduct disinfection byproduct (DBP) precursor removal studies beginning in May, 1998. The objective of these studies was to provide the Environmental Protection Agency with cost and performance data using either membrane or granular activated carbon (GAC) technologies in order to meet total trihalomethanes and haloacetic acids placeholder values in the proposed Stage 2 of the DBP rule. The rapid bench scale membrane test (RBSMT) and the rapid small scale column test (RSSCT) were designed to provide a convenient way to test for precursor removal on a small aliquot of water. Five benchscale studies were performed. Three were RBSMTs and 2 were RSSCTs. The protocol used for these studies came from Environmental Protection Agency's ICR Manual for Bench and Pilot Scale Treatment Studies. The purpose of this paper is to summarize results from two studies representing the two different technologies. In addition, lessons learned and insights into these types of studies will be discussed. Of particular interest is how these benchscale tests can be made more cost effective so that smaller water systems can afford a more detailed study of precursor treatment options. Includes 4 references, tables, figures.