The purpose of this study was to examine the effectiveness of an anionic polymer and to determine the ultimate fate of the polymer and its by-products in water treatment processes commonly used in France. The treatment train included ozonation, clarification, rapid sand filtration, activated carbon adsorption, and postchlorination. The polymer evaluated is a copolymer of acrylamide and sodium acrylate. The use of this polymer introduces only trace amounts of organic compounds from the commercial product into finished drinking water. Also covered are mutagenicity, adsorption, and pilot plants tests. Includes 24 references, tables, figures.