Preliminary evaluations of small surface water treatment systems can and should be performed by system managers and operators before a consulting engineer is hired. System evaluations can be aided by conducting literature searches at local libraries and universities to get a better understanding of the potential problem facing the utility, by reviewing and comparing the design of the treatment system in question with those of neighboring systems treating water of similar quality, by performing system simulations using models of varying complexity (i.e., jar tests and pilot plant studies), and by conducting evaluations in the treatment plant using different coagulants and coagulant aids. Includes 13 references, table, figures.