Manganese (Mn) control in surface water systems is a challenge for the drinking water industry, especially through a sustainability framework. Current methods for removing manganese from surface water use strong oxidants that embed carbon and can be expensive and harmful to human health and the environment. In this study, we used a simple biofilter design to remove manganese from lake water, without conventional surface water pre-treatments. Biofilters with aerated influent removed manganese to concentrations below 10 µg/L when receiving influent water containing > 120 µg/L of dissolved manganese. Manganese removal was not inhibited by high iron loadings or poor ammonia removal, suggesting that removal mechanisms may differ from groundwater biofilters. Experimental biofilters also achieved lower effluent manganese concentrations than the full-scale conventional treatment process, while receiving higher manganese concentrations. This biological approach could help achieve sustainable development goals.