Because ground water is a source of potable water for millions of people, an economical means of removing volatile organic contaminants is essential. Laboratory, pilot-scale and full-scale studies are being carried out in the United States of America to determine the effect of various treatment processes. The three foremost considerations before selecting any treatment scheme are: (1) The organic quality of the raw water must be thoroughly characterized (i.e., total organic carbon, specific contaminants) as physical and chemical properties provide guidance toward the most cost effective treatment option. (2) The organic quality of the treated water must be decided, and (3) The solution must not substitute the organic problem for microbiological or inorganic deterioration, or increased corrosion potential. Aeration, adsorption on granular activated carbon, or a combination of these processes are being used to combat ground water problems. In some cases, oxidation or adsorption on synthetic resins may also be effective.