Abstract: A backwash and ripening pipe connection system for a water treatment plant uses common pipelines to and from respective filters in the plant. The backwash/ripening pipeline to and from each filter has an associated valve and connects to one pipeline from a backwash fluid source, and another pipeline leading to a waste storage tank. The filters also connect through separate pipelines to a clearwell. The pipeline from the backwash fluid source and the pipeline to the waste storage tank each have an associated master valve. During backwashing, fluid flows through the backwash pipeline to the individual backwash/ripening pipeline and its associated filter, the backwash master valve being open and the ripening master valve being closed. Individual valves on each backwash/ripening pipeline are open.