Abstract: Processes for the removal of nitrogen compounds from a supply of raw water are disclosed, including an initial denitrification step followed by aeration to release cell-bound nitrogen in the form of ammonium ions from the bacteria produced in the denitrification step without converting the ammonium ions into nitrate or nitrite ions, and precipitating the ammonium ions from the water to produce a substantially nitrogen free supply of water. The precipitation preferably includes treating the water with magnesium and phosphate ions to precipitate the ammonium ions in the form of struvite.