The focus of this study was verification of the mechanisms of removal of aquatic organic substances by anion exchange resins, influence of resin properties and clarification processes on removal, and chromatographic behavior of organic substances in anion exchange columns. Depending on the type of resin and the nature of the organic matter, anion exchange resins removed up to 80 percent of the dissolved organic matter in natural waters. Except for some nonionic organic matter that passes directly through the ion exchange column, the resin removed organic material in preference to some common anions in natural water. Includes 13 references, tables, figures.