TThe objective of the current study was to investigate the backwashing behavior of granular media filters used in water treatment under realistic conditions and to develop better models of the backwash process based on both fundamental and practical considerations. The focus of this study was on water only backwash but the applicability of the results to auxiliary backwash systems is discussed. The effects of filter backwash rate, coagulant used, degree of filter clogging and age of filter deposits on backwash behavior and efficiency were investigated in a pilot scale in-line filtration plant treating low turbidity raw water from a large dam. The results of these experiments and their implications both for modeling and managing filter backwash are discussed. The initial stages of backwashing are shown to be dominated by mixing and flow localization effects not accounted for in existing models of backwash. These effects appear to be dependent on both the equipment and the experimental conditions making the development of an accurate model of transient backwash behavior extremely difficult. However, it is shown that the overall efficiency of backwash can be predicted based on data about the filter and backwash design and operation that should be available at any treatment plant. This is an important first step in the development of modeling tool for the design and optimization of the complete filter cycle. A significant finding of this study was that the average age of filter deposits is one of the most important factors determining the ease with which they are detached during backwashing. Deposits become more difficult to remove the longer they remain in the filter. This has important implications for the robust design and operation of filters in applications where optimal backwash cannot be guaranteed. The rate of accumulation of mud in a filter over multiple filter cycles was determined experimentally for one set of backwash conditions and a procedure for estimating the useful life of a filter bed with sub-optimal backwash is proposed.