This paper evaluates characteristics of spent filter backwash water (SFBW) and identifies treatment strategies so that SFBW can be recycled without impacting raw water quality. A survey of 25 representative water treatment plants was conducted to compare differences in microbial, physical and chemical water quality of raw waters and SFBWs. Giardia and Cryptosporidium were analyzed by the immunofluorescence assay (IFA) method. Cryptosporidium was also analyzed by the IFA and integrated cell culture-PCR (CC-PCR) methods after concentrating the sample by immunomagnetic separation (IMS). Includes 14 references, tables, figures.