The invention is directed to methods of providing backwash processes for a synthetic compressible medium filter system. More specifically, the system may include a backwash pump and air blower, and the processes may include at least three sequences of: air and water wash; air purge; and medium compression. The backwash process may be triggered by one or more of a pressure, time point, and/or turbidity set point. The air and water wash sequence may include breaking and washing the medium. The air purge sequence may include removing substantially all of the air entrapped in the medium by providing a backwash water flow for a period of time; and a medium compression sequence compressing the medium while avoiding exposing the medium to air, including introducing raw water and where the backwash and raw water provide enough energy to compress the medium without introduction of air into the medium.