Abstract: Water straining device for removing sand, grit and other foreign suspended particles from water characterized by a cylindrical housing having a bottom closed end and an open top end together with multiple annular holes through the cylindrical side wall. Cylindrical baffles are mounted inside the housing adjacent each hole. At least one strainer containing multiple slots is located inboard of the baffles and is connected at one end to a pump with a one way valve interposed between the strainer and pump. A backwash system is connected to the inside of the housing to remove particles clogging the strainer slots.