本文描述了为调查小型社区水系统使用慢砂过滤器的局限性和潜在益处而进行的研究。这些信息来自发送到美国慢速砂滤设施的调查。与慢速砂滤厂地理分布相关的调查结果；设施的物理特性；原水来源、浊度去除和大肠菌群去除；设计和操作特点；总结了慢速砂滤的成本。本文还讨论了犹他州洛根的一个现场规模的慢速砂滤研究设施，并将该设施与其他运行中的慢速砂滤设施进行了比较。 经评估，该研究设施在去除浊度、大肠菌群和代表贾第鞭毛虫囊肿大小的颗粒方面表现良好。包括参考资料、表格、图表。

This article describes research conducted to investigate the limitations and potential benefits of using slow sand filters for small community water systems. Information was compiled from surveys sent to slow sand filtration facilities in the United States. Survey results relating to geographic distribution of slow sand filtration plants; physical characteristics of the facilities; raw water sources, turbidity removal, and coliform removal; design and operational characteristics; and cost of slow sand filtration are summarized. The article also discusses a field-scale slow sand filtration research facility at Logan, Utah, and compares this facility with other operating slow sand filtration facilities. The research facility was evaluated and determined to perform well in removing turbidity, coliform bacteria, and particles of a size representative of Giardia cysts. Includes reference, tables, figures.