Abstract: The purpose of the present invention is to provide a technique whereby it becomes possible to operate for a longer period of time in an aqueous system equipped with a membrane separation apparatus. The present invention can provide a membrane separation method, the method comprising containing a combined-chlorine-based oxidizing agent to water of interest, and allowing the water of interest which contains the combined-chlorine-based oxidizing agent to pass through a membrane separation apparatus, in which the water of interest which contains the combined-chlorine-based oxidizing agent has a Free 300-second value of 0.036 mg/L-Cl2 or more wherein the Free 300-second value is a result of the measurement of a chlorine concentration after 300 seconds using a free chlorine measurement reagent.