In the present study, different grades of indigenously available activated alumina (AA) were screened for their arsenic removal capacity. For both As(III) and As(V), A1 (Grade 1, 0.3-0.6 mm) activated alumina has shown better removal efficiency. The optimum pH for the adsorption phenomena was around 7.0. Chlorine at a dose of 20 mg/l could completely oxidize As(III) to As(V), which also assured the bacteriological quality of the water. Among various anions studied, sulfate seems to have maximum competition with arsenic for adsorption sites. A portable filter with a flow rate of 6 l/h and a contact time of 5 minutes could effectively be used for the treatment of arsenic contaminated water. The exhausted activated alumina could regenerate with 4% NaOH solution without much reduction in efficiency. © 2001 Inderscience Enterprises Ltd.