The influence of pre-treatment on the suppression of irreversible (IR) fouling of ceramic membranes challenged with three UK surface waters has been studied at pilot scale. An initial scoping study compared the efficacy of suspended ion exchange (SIX) and clarification (coagulation followed by sludge blanket clarification) individually and in combination. Direct membrane filtration following in-line coagulation (ILCA) was also investigated with and without SIX. The impact on the various organic fractions, specifically high molecular weight (HMW) biopolymers (BPs) and humic substances (HSs), and lower molecular weight (LMW) building blocks (BBs) and neutrals, was studied using liquid chromatographyorganic carbon detection (LC-OCD). Results revealed SIX and coagulation to preferentially remove the LMW and HMW organic fractions respectively. Residual HMW organic matter (primarily BPs) following SIX pretreatment were retained by the membrane which led to rapid irreversible fouling. Coagulation pre-treatment provided stable membrane operation and the residual LMW organics were not significantly retained by the membrane. Combining clarification and SIX resulted in