This paper identifies design and operational strategies for maximizing Cryptosporidium removal by filters under both optimal and challenged (e.g. coagulation failure) operating conditions. Pilot-scale studies using 50 mm (2 in.) diameter columns were performed to evaluate the oocyst removal capacity of a dual-media filter under optimized and challenged operating conditions. This research demonstrated the importance of traditional chemical pretreatment (coagulation) for the successful removal of oocysts during filtration and concurrently demonstrated the possible efficacy of fluorescent polystyrene microspheres as surrogates for Cryptosporidium oocysts during treatment optimization studies. This study also demonstrated that even relatively small increases in filter effluent turbidity, such as an increase from 0.07 to 0.15 NTU, were commensurate with substantially increased oocyst passage. Includes 12 references, figures.