A system and method is disclosed for pre-treating water to remove substantial amounts of particulates prior to filtration. A coagulant, such as chitosan is mixed with turbid water and adheres to particulate matter to form large clumps. The water/coagulant mixture is placed in a first reservoir elevated above a second reservoir having a strip of porous material, such as polyester felt, positioned with one end in the first reservoir and another end above the second reservoir and preferably below the waterline in the first reservoir. A middle portion of the porous material is elevated above the first and second ends, but at a height relative to the waterline of the first reservoir that is equal or less than the height water will rise in the porous material due to capillary action.