What is the purpose of backwashing a filter?

Backwashing a filter is primarily conducted to remove debris and accumulated particles from the filter media. Over time, filters can become clogged with contaminants, which can reduce their efficiency and hinder water flow. By reversing the flow of water through the filter, backwashing dislodges the trapped particles and cleans the filter material, restoring its effectiveness.

This process ensures that the filter can continue to perform optimally in removing impurities from the wastewater, thus maintaining the quality of the treated effluent. The other options presented do not accurately represent the primary function of backwashing. Increasing water flow, adding chemicals, or decreasing volume are not the main objectives of this cleaning process. Instead, the focus is squarely on maintaining the filter's operational efficiency by removing accumulated debris.