Abstract: PCT No. PCT/DE 78/00023 Sec. 371 Date May 17, 1979 Sec. 102(e) Date May 17, 1979 PCT Filed Sept. 1, 1978 PCT Pub No. W079/00129 PCT Pub. Date Mar. 22, 1979The invention relates to a method and apparatus for the purification of contaminated or sewage water. From a presettling basin, if needed, sewage water is conducted through a filter system in a continuous flow fashion such that the water does not settle in the filter system and is discharged from the filter system for use without need for further purification treatment. The filter system is closed to atmosphere and comprises an upstream ascending pipe which receives the water from the basin and passes the water directly into a filter body container. The ascending pipe is filled with a series of packings and materials for acid-neutralization, biological purification, filtration, and/or adsorption arranged in a series of layers.