An experimental study was carried out to evaluate flux performance and solids retention efficiency of a ceramic membrane system in the microfiltration (MF) of a primary municipal sewage effluent. The importance of membrane pore size and MF operating conditions on the removal of suspended solids (SS) and reduction of total dissolved solids (TDS) is demonstrated. With properly defined membrane parameters leg pore size) the MF process was shown as being able to produce a permeate quality better than the required EC regulatory standards concerning urban wastewater treatment for suspended and total solids reduction. The economics of the membrane process depend largely on flux performance which was seriously impeded by severe membrane fouling, especially in-pore adsorption/deposition of particles. The critical influence of membrane fouling on the flux reduction and change of solids retention characteristics of the membrane system was analysed. Two techniques were employed and evaluated in an endeavour to enhance permeate flux: (i) minimisation of surface particle accumulation by employing a helically wound baffle installed inside the crossflow channel to produce a helical flow pattern and vortices encompassed in secondary flow, and (ii) reduction of in-pore fouling by employing an automated high frequency backflushing programme. Finally, this paper highlights the relationship between the flux enhancement mechanism and increased soluble solids transmission rate at elevated filtration temperature and when the backflush technique was applied. The increased total dissolved solids concentration in the permeate has profound implications on how the backflush technique should be implemented.