在聘请咨询工程师之前，小型地表水处理系统的初步评估可以也应该由系统经理和操作员进行。在当地图书馆和大学进行文献检索，通过审查和比较相关处理系统的设计与处理类似水质的相邻系统的设计，更好地了解公用设施面临的潜在问题，有助于系统评估，通过使用不同复杂度的模型（即jar试验和中试工厂研究）进行系统模拟，并使用不同的混凝剂和助凝剂在处理厂进行评估。包括13个参考文献、表格、图表。

Preliminary evaluations of small surface water treatment systems can and should be performed by system managers and operators before a consulting engineer is hired. System evaluations can be aided by conducting literature searches at local libraries and universities to get a better understanding of the potential problem facing the utility, by reviewing and comparing the design of the treatment system in question with those of neighboring systems treating water of similar quality, by performing system simulations using models of varying complexity (i.e., jar tests and pilot plant studies), and by conducting evaluations in the treatment plant using different coagulants and coagulant aids. Includes 13 references, table, figures.