Abstract: A method for controlling the pulsing of a granular medium filter, based on determination of the rise rate of liquid level above the filtration medium. A pulse system is activated whereby sub-fluidizing pulses of a fluid are directed upwardly through the filter medium from an array of orifices, and each pulse is initiated whenever the determined rise rate attains a predetermined value. The pulses dislodge solids from the upper surface of the bed and store a portion of the solids within the bed itself at particular loci, for decreasing the resistance of the bed and reducing the rise rate. The frequency of backwash is optimized over a wider range of solids load, liquid load and other factors affecting the filtration.