Filtration is the fundamental system in a water treatment process train that removes suspended solids, including microorganisms such as Cryptosporidium oocysts, Giardia cysts, and parasite eggs. To constrain costs, the design of any filter should be simple, reliable, proven easy to build, and easy to operate; and, it should require the minimum capital, operation, and maintenance costs while providing maximum operational flexibility. A robust filter design should be based on knowledge, experience, and user feedback. This article provides practical guidance on the design of high-rate filtration systems. Includes 24 references, tables, figures.