Manganese (Mn) control is a significant challenge for utilities,and uptake by oxide-coated media is onecommonly used control method. However, therehas been only a small amount of research documentingthe process and characterization of theoxide-coated media responsible for Mn uptake.This article presents a standard technique toevaluate the Mn uptake capabilityof filter media and provides increasedunderstanding of the process of Mn uptake byoxide-coated filter media. The Mn uptakecapability of filter media can be assessed by alaboratory protocol. Mn uptake capabilitydoes not increase consistently because Mncoating levels increase beyond 5-15 mg Mn/gmedia. Mn oxide coatings can develop readilyon both anthracite and sand media and willremain robust for at least six months with noprefilter chlorination. However, Mn releasemay be a concern.The results of this study will help utilityengineers and operators optimize and understandthe Mn oxide-coated media process forMn removal and control.Includes 23 references, table, figures.