Abstract: A method for removing debris from a free flowing water system (100) using an improved filter apparatus (10) is described. The apparatus includes a rail (12) which is mounted adjacent the water supply intake opening (102) and a continuous belt (36) made of chain links (38) and connectors (44) which mounts around an upper sprocket cylinder (26) and a lower sprocket cylinder (32) spaced between the ends of the rail. Openings (42) in the belt collect debris from the water flowing through the belt. The connectors have lifters (50) which move the debris collected on the front side (36A) of the belt and tilt to dump any debris of excess weight back into the water system. As the belt moves upward, the debris collected on the belt and by the lifters is moved out of the water system toward the top of the rail. As the belt moves over the upper sprocket cylinder, the upper sprocket teeth (28A) extend through the openings of the belt loosening the debris trapped on the front side of the belt.