This paper presents the results of particle removal by two clarification/filtration treatment trains and investigates the effect of preoxidation on process performance. The enhanced removal of particles across the filters, when ozone was used as the preoxidant, was a significant advantage of ozone over chlorine, chlorine dioxide and potassium permanganate. In the case of chlorine and chloride dioxide, preoxidation appeared to worsen particle removal through the clarifiers. Particle removal in the clarifiers was not affected by preozonation or the addition of potassium permanganate. The concentration of particles in the preozonated/filtered water decreased by more than one order of magnitude as compared with other oxidants and experiments conducted without preoxidation. Approximately 1.5 log removal of Giardia-size particles was achieved through clarification, using either the tube settler or Superpulsator, regardless of preoxidant type.