Jar testing and flow cytometry were used in conjunction with photometric dispersion analysis (PDA) to assess conventional alum coagulation with and without magnetic ion exchange (MIEX) pre-treatment for turbidity and bacterial removal capacity. Treatment assessment included powdered activated carbon (PAC) and pre-chlorination of the MIEX-treated raw water. Floc particles were subjected to shear forces after settling and re-suspended to gauge bacterial release potential, floc breakage and re-aggregation. MIEX in conjunction with alum coagulation achieved improved coagulation as measured by PDA but did not increase bacterial log removal value (LRV) in comparison with conventional coagulation. Pre-chlorination and PAC addition were seen to improve bacterial removal and coagulation, respectively, but were less effective for bacterial LRVs when they were used in conjunction during coagulation.