Effects of sulfate on the anaerobic substrate utilization were evaluated using UASB (Upflow Anaerobic Sludge Blanket) reactor. Effect of sulfate on the organic removal rate was dependent on the relative amount of microorganisms in the reactor, the operational condition, and the characteristics of sludge. When the sulfate shock was applied to 0.0 - 3.0g SO$_{4}$$^{2-}$/d, more than 95% of COD removal efficiency was achieved. Therefore, if F/M ratio was kept to low sufficiently with recirculation, it is shown that operation of the reactor was not affected significantly, though sulfate shock load was doubled compared to the normal operation. Provided that it is shocked by high strength of sulfate or temporary shock load is applied frequently the efficiency of reactor may be disadvantageous as well as the wash-out of sludge will be increased by decreasing the size to the accumulated frequency of granular sludge and the size with maximum frequency.