Backwash

One of the best ways to clean a water system’s filter is to backwash it, meaning reversing the flow and increasing the velocity at which water passes back through the filter. This, in effect, blasts the clogged particles off of the filter. Although every filter is unique, the principles of backwashing are similar for all of them. The disadvantage with backwashing is that it requires energy-driven pumps and the backwash water and sludge has to be treatment (e.g. in waste stabilisation ponds) before safe discharge or reuse.