The total backwash process typically takes 15 or 20 minutes and is initiated either automatically by plant instrumentation or by manual controls that operate valves and backwash pumps. Because the backwashing process involves large volumes of previously treated water, pumping to deliver backwash water, and air blowers to deliver high volumes of air, and because each filter is out of production service while it is being backwashed, the effectiveness and efficiency of the backwash process, relates directly to operational cost. If the filters can be operated in a way that extends filter run times and minimizes backwash duration times, then cost is saved.