Abstract: A cleaning system for filter beds uses the existing permanent infrastructure of a water filtration plant. Treatment fluids of opposite pH are introduced into a pair of filter cells that are separated by a gullet. Each filter cell contains a filter bed. One filter cell receives an acidic treatment fluid and the other receives an alkaline treatment fluid. After treatment is complete, the treatment fluids from each filter cell are simultaneously drained into the gullet, where mixing and neutralization occur. The resulting spent treatment fluid has an intermediate pH that allows it to be safely drained into a wastewater sewer.