Abstract:
A transportable multi-chamber water filtration system useable at construction sites with sources of contaminated water is disclosed. The transportable multi-chamber water filtration system removes sediment and contaminants from contaminated water by combined processes of gravitational settling, filtration and coagulation of sediment by the use of flocculants. The system provides efficient removal of sediment and contaminants from the water around various sized sites.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
       [0001]    This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/294,794 filed Feb. 12, 2016, which is incorporated herein by reference. 
     
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    The present invention relates to water filtration systems, and more particularly to mobile water filtration systems which remove sediment and filter contaminants from water. 
       BACKGROUND INFORMATION 
       [0003]    The Environmental Protection Agency (“EPA”) has established water standards for the release of construction related storm water. Under the EPA standards, the proper treatment of construction related storm water includes the cleaning of sediment-containing water. Current apparatuses used to implement and maintain water pollution prevention programs are often ineffective because they are too costly to operate and maintain. Another disadvantage of typical non-portable filtrations systems is that many construction sites require more than one system to adequately treat the construction related storm water that pools around the site. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0004]    The present invention provides transportable multi-chamber water filtration systems useable at construction sites with contaminated water. The transportable multi-chamber water filtration systems remove sediment and contaminants from contaminated water by combined processes of gravitational settling, filtration and coagulation of sediment by the use of flocculants. The systems provide efficient removal of sediment and contaminants from the water around various sized sites. 
         [0005]    An aspect of the present invention is to provide a water filtration system comprising a filtration container comprising a container inlet for introducing sediment-containing water into the filtration container and a container outlet for removing treated water from the filtration container, a first filtration chamber in flow communication with the container inlet comprising an upper peripheral edge and a filter media support extending at least partially across a length and width of the first filtration chamber below the upper peripheral edge of the first filtration chamber, a first baffle chamber adjacent to the first filtration chamber having an upper overflow edge below the upper peripheral edge of the first filtration chamber and a baffle outlet below the upper overflow edge, a final stilling basin comprising a lower inlet in flow communication with the baffle outlet of the first baffle chamber and an upper peripheral edge, and a final baffle chamber adjacent to the final stilling basin having an upper overflow edge below the upper peripheral edge of the final stilling basin, and a final baffle chamber outlet in flow communication with the container outlet. 
         [0006]    Another aspect of the present invention is to provide a method of removing sediment from construction related water and returning it to the environment comprising drawing sediment-containing water from a source of sediment-containing water into a filtration system comprising a container inlet for introducing the sediment-containing water into the filtration container and a container outlet for removing treated water from the filtration container, a first filtration chamber in flow communication with the container inlet comprising an upper peripheral edge and a filter media support extending at least partially across a length and width of the first filtration chamber below the upper peripheral edge of the first filtration chamber, a first baffle chamber adjacent to the first filtration chamber having an upper baffle edge below the upper peripheral edge of the first filtration chamber and a baffle outlet below the upper baffle edge, a final stilling basin comprising a lower inlet and an upper peripheral edge, a final baffle chamber adjacent to the final stilling basin having an upper baffle edge below the upper peripheral edge of the final stilling basin, and a final baffle chamber outlet in flow communication with the container outlet and treating the sediment-containing water in the system to remove at least a portion of the sediment from the sediment-containing water. 
         [0007]    A further aspect of the present invention is to provide a method of removing sediment from sediment-containing water comprising: drawing sediment-containing water from a source of sediment-containing water into a pretreatment chamber, flowing the sediment-containing water through the pretreatment chamber into a first filtration chamber through a first filter medium in the first filtration chamber, overflowing the sediment-containing water from the first filtration chamber into a first baffle chamber, flowing the sediment-containing water in a second filtration chamber through a second filter medium in the second filtration chamber, overflowing the sediment-containing water from the second filtration chamber into a second baffle chamber, flowing the sediment-containing water in a third filtration chamber through a third filter medium in the third filtration chamber, overflowing the sediment-containing water from the third filtration chamber into a third baffle chamber, flowing the sediment-containing water in a first stilling basin through a fourth filter medium in the first stilling basin, overflowing the sediment-containing water from the first stilling basin into a fourth baffle chamber, flowing the sediment-containing water in a final stilling basin through a fifth filter medium in the final stilling basin, overflowing sediment-containing water from the final stilling basin into a final baffle chamber, and removing the sediment-containing water from the final baffle chamber to provide filtered water containing a lower level of sediment than that of the sediment-containing water drawn into the pretreatment chamber. 
         [0008]    These and other aspects of the present invention will be more apparent from the following description. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0009]      FIG. 1  is a partially schematic isometric view of a transportable multi-chamber water filtration system in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0010]      FIG. 2  is a partially schematic top view of the transportable multi-chamber water filtration system of  FIG. 1 . 
           [0011]      FIG. 3  is partially schematic side sectional view of the transportable multi-chamber water filtration system of  FIG. 2 . 
           [0012]      FIG. 4  is a partially schematic top view of a filter media support in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0013]      FIG. 5  is a partially schematic side view of a baffle chamber in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0014]    The present invention provides transportable multi-chamber water filtration systems for removing sediment and contaminants from water. The transportable multi-chamber water filtration systems may clean contaminated storm water by combined processes of gravitational settling, filtration, flocculation and coagulation of sediment by the use of flocculants, and return the treated water to the environment in situ. As used herein, the term “floc” is a mass formed by the aggregation of a number of fine suspended solids and particles. As used herein, the term “flocculation” is the process wherein colloids and particles come out of suspension in the form of floc. As used herein, the term “sediment-containing water” is water taken from the environment and the term “filtered water” refers to water that has had a desired amount of sediment removed therefrom. 
         [0015]      FIG. 1  illustrates a transportable multi-chamber water filtration system  10  in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. In certain embodiments, the multi-chamber water filtration system  10  is transportable by an integral trailer. In other embodiments, the multi-chamber water filtration system may not have an integral trailer and may be transportable by being placed on a trailer. In the embodiment shown, the multi-chamber water filtration system  10  comprises a filtration container  12  mounted on a trailer frame  14 . In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the filtration container  12  may be connected to the trailer frame  14  by any suitable attachment means, such as, welding or mechanical fasteners, or may be integrally formed therewith. The trailer frame  14  may comprise axles  16 , front portion  18  and leveling outriggers  19 . In the embodiment shown, there are two axles  16 , but any other suitable number of axles may be used. For example, there may be zero, one, three, four or more axles. In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the portability of the multi-chamber water filtration system  10  is a critical feature which requires that it be both roadworthy and strong enough to be transported off-road as required. The multi-chamber water filtration system  10  has been designed and configured to provide a roadworthy device which can legally travel across state and federal highways to deliver the multi-chamber water filtration system  10  to the remote locations where it is to be deployed. The leveling riggers  19  allow the multi-chamber water filtration system  10  to be leveled once the system arrives at the treatment site. 
         [0016]    In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the internal volume and dimensions of the filtration container  12  may vary depending on the intended use of the multi-chamber water filtration system  10 . For example, the capacity of the filtration container  12  may typically range from 2000 gallons to 10,000 gallons or more. As shown in  FIGS. 1 and 3 , the overall length L O  of the filtration container  12  may typically range from 10 to 75 feet, e.g., from 15 to 55 feet. The width W of the filtration container  12  may typically range from 3 to 12 feet, e.g., from 5 to 9 feet. The overall height H O  of the filtration container  12  may typically range from 3 to 20 feet, e.g., from 5 to 14 feet. In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the overall height H O  is less than the overall length L O , e.g., the overall height H O  is 50 percent less than overall length L O , or less than 40 percent, or less than 30 percent. 
         [0017]    As shown in  FIGS. 1-3 , the multi-chamber water filtration system  10  includes a pretreatment chamber  20 . In the embodiment shown, the pretreatment chamber  20  is mounted on the front portion  18  of the trailer frame  14  outside of the filtration container  12 . However, any other suitable arrangement of pretreatment chamber  20  may be used, e.g., the pretreatment chamber  20  may be mounted on the outside of the filtration container  12 , the pretreatment chamber  20  may be located inside the filtration container  12 , or the pretreatment chamber  20  may be eliminated. 
         [0018]    In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the pretreatment chamber  20  comprises an inlet control valve  22 . The inlet control valve  22  may comprise a manual gate valve, however, any other suitable valve may be used. For example, a ball valve, a butterfly valve, a globe valve, a knife valve, and the like. In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the inlet control valve  22  is intended to interface with a standard 3 inch diameter hose. However, the inlet control valve  22  may have any suitable size, e.g., a smaller diameter or a larger diameter for interfacing with hoses having a range of diameters. A portable water pump (not shown) may be used to feed sediment-containing water from a sediment-containing water source through the inlet control valve  22  into the pretreatment chamber  20 . In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the inlet control valve  22  is used to control the flow of water in the multi-chamber water filtration system  10 . For example, the inlet control valve  22  controls the amount of sediment-containing water that is fed from the source into the multi-chamber water filtration system  10  by the water pump. In addition, closing the inlet control valve  22  prevents water inside of the multi-chamber water filtration system  10  from flowing back into the source if the pump is no longer in operation. 
         [0019]    As shown in  FIGS. 1-3 , the pretreatment chamber  20  comprises flocculant baskets  24 . In the embodiment shown, there are three flocculant baskets  24 , but any other suitable number of flocculant baskets may be used. For example, there may be zero, one, two, four or more flocculant baskets. In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the flocculant baskets  24  may hold a flocculating agent inside the pretreatment chamber  20 . As shown in  FIGS. 2 and 3 , the flocculating agent may be provided in the form of a flocculating brick  26  held inside the flocculant baskets  24 . However, the flocculating agent may be added to the pretreatment chamber  20  in any suitable form or in any suitable technique, such as pouring a powder flocculating agent directly into the pretreatment chamber, placing flocculating agent in the pretreatment chamber, attaching the flocculating agent to the walls of the pretreatment chamber, or the like. In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the flocculant baskets  24  are formed by expanded metal to allow the sediment-containing water to flow through the basket and come into contact with the flocculating brick  26 . However, the flocculant baskets  24  may be formed with any suitable material, including metals, plastics or the like. In the embodiment shown, the flocculant baskets  24  have a bottom and four sidewalls, but any other arrangement for the basket may be used to hold the flocculating agent. For example, the walls of the pretreatment chamber  20  may form the bottom and two sidewalls of the flocculant basket. 
         [0020]    In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the flocculating brick  26  may be any suitable non-ionic, anionic or cationic flocculating agent. As understood by those skilled in the art, the flocculating brick  26  may be selected based on the specific nature of the sediment-containing water that is to be filtered. For example, the flocculating brick  26  may be a water-soluble, anionic polymeric flocculating agent. The flocculating brick  26  may be a powder product in the form of a block of anionic polyacrylamide co-polymer. A flocculating brick  26  may be placed in each flocculant basket  24 , and when the sediment-containing water flows through the pretreatment chamber  20 , the flocculating brick  26  may release the anionic polymer such that it is dissolved into the sediment-containing water. While the use of the flocculating brick  26  in the pretreatment chamber  20  are described herein, it is to be understood that any other suitable flocculating agent may be used in accordance with the present invention. When the sediment-containing water including contaminants such as clays, soil particles or other small charged particles contacts and mixes with the flocculating agent, the dissolved polymer attaches and binds to the contaminants thereby beginning to form a floc of dissolved flocculating agent and contaminants. In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the pretreatment chamber  20  may include a watertight lid (not shown) that allows the flocculant baskets  24  to be accessed to add additional flocculating bricks  26 . 
         [0021]    In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the pretreatment chamber  20  is connected with the container inlet  28  of filtration container  12  by an inlet pipe  27 . As most clearly shown in  FIGS. 1-3 , the inlet pipe  27  may be connected to the pretreatment chamber  20  at the end opposite to the inlet control valve  22 . As shown in  FIG. 2 , the sediment-containing water is pumped into the pretreatment chamber  20  through the inlet control valve  22  at a first end, flows around and through the flocculant baskets  24  and exits the pretreatment chamber  20  through the inlet pipe  27 . As shown in  FIGS. 1-3 , the inlet pipe  27  may run alongside the width of the filtration container  12  and may comprise a series of 90 degree turns before connecting with the filtration container  12 . The turns of the inlet pipe  27  provide turbulent flow and hydraulic energy to allow the flocculating agents to continue to mix and dissolve into the sediment-containing water. 
         [0022]    In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the filtration container  12  comprises first, second and third filtration chambers  30 ,  60  and  90 , as shown in  FIGS. 1-3 . While the multi-chamber water filtration system  10  shown in  FIGS. 1-3  has three filtration chambers, in other embodiments any other suitable number of filtration chambers may be used. For example, there may be zero, one, two, four or more filtration chambers. In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the filtration container  12  comprises first and second stilling basins  120  and  150 , as shown in  FIGS. 1-3 . While the multi-chamber water filtration system  10  shown in  FIGS. 1-3  has two stilling basins, in other embodiments any other suitable number of stilling basins may be used. For example, there may be zero, one, three, four or more stilling basins. In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the filtration container  12  comprises baffle chambers  50 ,  80 ,  110 ,  140  and  170 , as shown in  FIGS. 1-3 . While the multi-chamber water filtration system  10  shown in  FIGS. 1-3  has five baffle chambers, in other embodiments any other suitable number of baffle chambers may be used. For example, there may be zero, one, two, three, four, six or more baffle chambers. 
         [0023]    As shown in  FIGS. 1-3 , the first filtration chamber  30  comprises bottom surface  31 , inlet wall  32 , first and second sidewalls  38  and  39 , and overflow weir wall  34 . The inlet wall  32  may comprise a container inlet  28  that receives the inlet pipe  27 , as shown in  FIGS. 1-3 . In the embodiment shown, bottom surface  31 , inlet wall  32 , and first and second sidewalls  38  and  39  are formed by the bottom surface and walls of the filtration container  12 . Alternatively, the bottom surface  31 , inlet wall  32 , and/or first and second sidewalls  38  and  39  may be formed by additional material mounted in the filtration container  12 . In certain embodiments, the inlet wall  32  and first and second sidewalls  38  and  39  form an upper peripheral edge  33  of the first filtration chamber  30 . 
         [0024]    The overflow weir wall  34  may be connected to the filtration container  12  by welding the overflow weir wall  34  to the bottom surface  31  and the first and second sidewalls  38  and  39  to form the water tight first filtration chamber  30 . Alternatively, the overflow weir wall  34  may be mounting using any other suitable method, or may be integrally formed in the first filtration chamber  30 . In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the overflow weir wall  34  comprises an overflow edge  35  which establishes the level at which sediment-containing water overflows the filtration chamber  30 . In the embodiment shown, the overflow edge  35  forms a lip that extends toward the inlet wall  32  of the first filtration chamber  30 , as most clearly shown in  FIGS. 1 and 3 . In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the overflow edge  35  of the overflow weir wall  34  is formed at a height lower than the upper peripheral edge  33  of the first filtration chamber. This arrangement provides that the sediment-containing water will exit the filtration chamber  30  over the overflow weir wall  34 . As shown in  FIGS. 1-3 and 5 , the overflow edge  35  of the overflow weir wall  34  may comprise studs  36  for securing a curtain filter  37  to the top of the overflow weir wall  34 . In the embodiment shown, the studs  36  are sharpened metal rod welded to the overflow edge  35  of the overflow weir wall  34 . However, any other suitable method of attaching the curtain filter  37  to the overflow weir wall  34  such as magnets, mechanical fasteners, Velcro or the like may be used. Although the overflow edge  35  shown in  FIGS. 1-3 and 5  is formed as a lip that extends toward the inlet wall  32 , the overflow edge  35  may have a lip extending away from the inlet wall  32 , toward the bottom surface  31 , or no lip and only an overflow edge  35 . 
         [0025]    In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the first filtration chamber  30  includes a filter media support  40 . The filter media support  40  extends at least partially across a length and width of the first filtration chamber  30  below the upper peripheral edge of the first filtration chamber  30 , as shown most clearly in  FIGS. 1-3 . In the embodiment shown, the filter media support  40  extends across the entire length and width of the first filtration chamber  30 , but any other suitable arrangement may be used. For example, the filter media support  40  may extend across 50 percent of the length and width of the first filtration chamber  30  or 75 percent of the length and width of the first filtration chamber  30 . 
         [0026]    In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the filter media support  40  comprises a bottom panel  41  and a top panel  43  that hold a filter material  46  within the filter media support  40 . In certain embodiments, the bottom panel  41  may be secured in filtration chamber  30  by welding  42  the bottom panel to the inlet wall  32 , overflow weir wall  34 , and/or first and second sidewalls  38  and  39 . Alternatively, any other suitable method for securing the bottom panel  41  in the filtration chamber  30  may be used, e.g., mechanical fasteners or glue, or the bottom panel may be integrally formed therewith. In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the top panel  41  may be placed on securing blocks  44  positioned on the inlet wall  32 , overflow weir wall  34 , and/or first and second sidewalls  38  and  39 . As shown in  FIG. 3 , the securing blocks  44  may include pins  45  to removably secure the top panel  43  in place. This arrangement allows the top panel  43  to be easily removed to install and replace the filter material  46 . However, it is to be understood that any suitable method to secure the top panel  43  in the filtration chamber  30  may be used. For example, magnets, mechanical fasteners, welding, or the like. In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the top panel  43  is positioned a vertical distance from the bottom panel  41  to allow various thicknesses of filter material  46  to be placed in the filter media support  40 . For example, the distance between the top plate  43  and the bottom plate  41  may typically range from 1 to 24 inches, or from 2 to 18 inches or from 3 to 12 inches. While a filter media support arrangements are described herein, it is to be understood that any other suitable filter media support arrangement may be used in accordance with the present invention. For example, the filter media support  40  may comprise only a bottom panel. 
         [0027]    The top and bottom panels  41  and  43  may be made of any suitable materials, including metals, plastics, or the like. For example, the top and bottom panels  41  and  42  may be made of expanded steel sheet that allows the sediment-containing water to rise through the filter media support  40  as water flows into and fills the filtration chamber  30 . 
         [0028]    As shown in detail in  FIG. 4 , the filter material  46  may be positioned between the bottom panel  41  and the top panel  43 . In the embodiment shown, the filter material  46  is sized to completely cover the surface area of the filter media support  40 . This arrangement results in all sediment-containing water flowing through the filtration chamber  30  to flow through the filter material  46 . However, any other suitable size of filter material  46  may be used, e.g., sized to cover 50 percent, 60 percent or 75 percent of the filter media support  40 . The filter material  46  may have a thickness selected based on characteristics of the sediment-containing water. For example, the filter material  46  may have a thickness ranging from 0.5 to 15 inches, or from 1 to 12 inches or from 1.5 to 10 inches. The filter material  46  may be a single layer of material or may consist of a number of layers. The filter material  46  may be made of any suitable materials, including natural materials, e.g., fibers or filaments of wood, silk, jute, hemp, cotton, linen, and the like, or synthetic materials, e.g., polyolefm, polyester, rayon, cellulose ester, polyvinyl, polyamide, and the like, as well as combinations of all of the above. In addition, the filter material  46  may comprise woven, non-woven and/or monolithic layers. For example, the filter material  46  may be a woven jute material. 
         [0029]    In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the filter material  46  of the filter media support  40  of the first filtration chamber  30  may be treated with a flocculating agent. The flocculating agent may be any suitable non-ionic, anionic or cationic flocculating agent. In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the flocculating agent may include the following groups: mineral flocculants, such as activated silica, colloidal clays, metallic hydroxides and the like; natural flocculants, such as starch derivatives, polysaccharides, alginates and the like; semi-synthetic flocculants, such as chitosan and the like; and synthetic flocculants, such as polyacrylamides, polyethylene-imines, polyamides-amines, polyamines, polyethylene-oxide, sulfonated compounds and the like. In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the filter media  46  is treated with the flocculating agent by impregnating the filter media  46  with a dry powder. For example, a woven jute filter material  46  may be impregnated with a dry anionic polyacrylamide powder. Alternatively, additional flocculating bricks  26  or the like may be placed in the filter media support  40  along with filter material  46  that has been treated with a flocculating agent or that is substantially free of flocculating agents. In a preferred embodiment, the filter material  46  in the filter media support  40  of the first filtration chamber  30  is treated with a flocculating agent. 
         [0030]    In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, a first baffle chamber  50  is formed by overflow weir wall  34 , first and second sidewalls  38  and  39 , and baffle wall  51 . Baffle wall  51  may be secured in the filtration container  12  by being welded to the first and second sidewalls  38  and  39 . In another embodiment, baffle wall  51  may be connected to the first and second side walls  38  and  39  by any suitable attachment means, such as, mechanical fasteners or welding, or may be integrally formed therewith. In certain embodiments, the baffle wall  51  is placed at a distance from the overflow weir wall  34  to assure continuation of the upward flow mixing and filtration process of the multi-chamber water filtration system  10 . For example, the horizontal distance between the overflow weir wall and the baffle wall may range from 1 to 10 inches, or from 2 to 8 inches or from 3 to 6 inches. The baffle wall  51  comprises a top edge  52  and a bottom edge  53 . The top edge  52  may be positioned at a height substantially equal to the height of the upper peripheral walls  33  of the first filtration chamber  30 . This allows the baffle wall  51  to extend above the overflow edge  35  of the overflow weir wall  34  and provides for the sediment-containing water to flow into the first baffle chamber  50 . The bottom edge  53  of the baffle wall  51  may be located at a distance from the bottom surface  61  of the second filtration chamber  60 . For example, the distance between the bottom edge  53  and the bottom surface  61  may typically range from 2 to 18 inches, or from 3 to 12 inches or from 4 to 10 inches. The distance between the bottom edge  53  of the baffle wall  51  and the bottom surface  61  forms a baffle outlet at the bottom of the first baffle chamber  50 . The baffle outlet at the bottom of the first baffle chamber  50  corresponds to a lower inlet opening of the second filtration chamber  60 . Thus, the sediment-containing water overflows from the first filtration chamber  30  into the first baffle chamber  50  and through the baffle outlet into the lower inlet opening of the second filtration chamber  60 . In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the baffle chamber  50  may comprise supports  54  between the overflow weir wall  34  and the baffle wall  51 , as most clearly shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 . The supports provide additional rigidity to the first filtration chamber  30  and the first baffle chamber  50 . 
         [0031]    As shown in detail in  FIG. 5 , the baffle chamber  50  comprises a curtain filter  37 . The curtain filter  37  may extend from the overflow edge  35  of the overflow weir wall  34  into the baffle chamber  50  adjacent to the baffle wall  51 . For example, the curtain filter  37  may extend a length typically ranging from 0.5 to 5 feet, or from 1 to 4 feet, or from 1.5 to 3 feet. As the sediment-containing water and flocs flow over the overflow weir wall  34 , the sediment-containing water and flocs come into contact with the curtain filter  37  for additional filtering. Alternatively, the curtain filter  37  may be eliminated. In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the curtain filter  37  may have a thickness that allows a majority of the water flowing over the overflow weir wall  34  to pass through the curtain filter. For example, the curtain filter  37  may have a thickness typically ranging from 1 to 10 inches, or from 2 to 8 inches, or from 3 to 6 inches. The curtain filter  37  may be made from the same material as the filter material  46 , or the curtain filter  37  material may be made from a different material than the filter material  46 . In addition, the curtain filter  37  material may be treated or not treated with a flocculating agent. For example, the curtain filter may be a woven jute material that does not comprise a flocculating agent. 
         [0032]    As shown in  FIGS. 1-3 , the second and third filtration chambers  60  and  90  may be of the same or similar construction as the first filtration chamber  30 , as previously discussed. Similar element numbers are used to describe the same features found in the first filtration chamber  30 . In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the second filtration chamber  60  comprises bottom surface  61 , baffle wall  51 , first and second sidewalls  68  and  69 , and overflow weir wall  64 . In the embodiment shown, bottom surface  61  and first and second sidewalls  68  and  69  are formed by the bottom surface and walls of the filtration container  12 . In certain embodiments, the first and second sidewalls  68  and  69  form an upper peripheral edge  63  of the second filtration chamber  60 . 
         [0033]    In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the overflow weir wall  64  comprises an overflow edge  65  which establishes the level at which sediment-containing water overflows the second filtration chamber  60 . In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the overflow edge  65  forms a lip that extends toward the baffle wall  51  of the first baffle chamber  50 , as most clearly shown in  FIGS. 1 and 3 . In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the overflow edge  65  of the overflow weir wall  64  is formed at a height lower than the upper peripheral edge  63  of the second filtration chamber  60 . In addition, the overflow edge  65  of the overflow weir wall  64  is formed at a height lower than the top edge  52  of the baffle wall  51 . This arrangement provides that the sediment-containing water will exit the filtration chamber  60  over the overflow weir wall  64 . As shown in  FIGS. 1-3 and 5 , the overflow edge  65  of the overflow weir wall  64  may comprise studs  66  for securing a curtain filter  67  to the top of the overflow weir wall  64 . 
         [0034]    In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the filtration chamber  60  includes a filter media support  70 . The filter media support  70  extends at least partially across a length and width of the second filtration chamber  60  below the upper peripheral edge  63  of the second filtration chamber  60 , as shown most clearly in  FIGS. 1-3 . The filter media support  70  comprises a bottom panel  71 and a top panel  73  that hold a filter material  76  within the filter media support  70 . In certain embodiments, the bottom panel  71  may be secured in filtration chamber  60  by welding  62  the bottom panel to the baffle wall  51 , overflow weir wall  64 , and/or first and second sidewalls  68  and  69 . In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the top panel  71  may be placed on securing blocks  74  positioned on the baffle wall  51 , overflow weir wall  64 , and/or first and second sidewalls  68  and  69 . As shown in  FIG. 3 , the securing blocks  74  may include pins  75  to removably secure the top panel  73  in place. In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the top panel  73  is positioned a vertical distance from the bottom panel  71  to allow various thicknesses of filter material  76  to be placed in the filter media support  70 . 
         [0035]    The filter material  76  may have a thickness selected based on characteristics of the sediment-containing water. For example, the filter material  76  may have a thickness ranging from 0.5 to 15 inches, or from 1 to 12 inches or from 1.5 to 10 inches. The filter material  76  may be made of the same or different material as the filter material  46 . In addition, the filter material  76  may be of the same or of a different thickness than the filter material  46 . 
         [0036]    In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the filter material  76  of the filter media support  70  of the filtration chamber  60  may be treated with a flocculating agent. The flocculating agent may be any suitable non-ionic, anionic or cationic flocculating agent, as previously described herein. In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the filter material  76  in the filter media support  70  of the filtration chamber  60  may be treated with a flocculating agent or may be substantially free of flocculating agents. 
         [0037]    As shown in  FIGS. 1-3 , the second, third, fourth and final baffle chambers  80 ,  110 ,  140  and  170  may be of the same or similar construction as the first baffle chamber  50 , as previously discussed. Similar element numbers are used to describe the same features found in the baffle chamber  50 . In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, baffle chamber  80  is formed by overflow weir wall  64 , first and second sidewalls  68  and  69 , and baffle wall  81 . In certain embodiments, the baffle wall  81  is placed at a distance from the overflow weir wall  64  to assure continuation of the upward flow mixing and filtration process of the multi-chamber water filtration system  10 . The baffle wall  81  comprises a top edge  82  and a bottom edge  83 . The top edge  82  may be positioned at a height substantially equal to the height of the upper peripheral edge  63  of the filtration chamber  60 . This allows the baffle wall  81 to extend above the overflow edge  65  of the overflow weir wall  64  and provides for the sediment-containing water to flow into the baffle chamber  80 . The bottom edge  83  of the baffle wall  81  may be located at a distance from the bottom surface  91  of the filtration chamber  90 . For example, the distance between the bottom edge  83  and the bottom surface  91  may typically range from 2 to 18 inches, or from 3 to 12 inches or from 4 to 10 inches. The distance between the bottom edge  83  of the baffle wall  81  and the bottom surface  91  forms a baffle outlet at the bottom of the second baffle chamber  80 . The distance between the bottom edge  83  of the baffle wall  81  and the bottom surface  91  forms a baffle outlet at the bottom of the second baffle chamber  80 . The baffle outlet at the bottom of the second baffle chamber  80  corresponds to a lower inlet opening of the third filtration chamber  90 . Thus, the sediment-containing water overflows from the second filtration chamber  60  into the second baffle chamber  80  and through the baffle outlet into the lower inlet opening of the third filtration chamber  90 . In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the baffle chamber  80  may comprise supports  84  between the overflow weir wall  64  and the baffle wall  81 , as most clearly shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 . The supports provide additional rigidity to the second filtration chamber  60  and the second baffle chamber  80 . 
         [0038]    As shown in  FIG. 3 , the baffle chamber  80  comprises a curtain filter  67 . The curtain filter  67  may extend from the overflow edge  65  of the overflow weir wall  64  into the baffle chamber  80 . As the sediment-containing water and flocs flow over the overflow weir wall  64 , the sediment-containing water and flocs come into contact with the curtain filter  67  for additional filtering. Alternatively, the curtain filter  67  may be eliminated. 
         [0039]    In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the third filtration chamber  90  comprises bottom surface  91 , baffle wall  81 , first and second sidewalls  98  and  99 , and overflow weir wall  94 . In the embodiment shown, bottom surface  91  and first and second sidewalls  98  and  99  are formed by the bottom surface and walls of the filtration container  12 . In certain embodiments, the first and second sidewalls  98  and  99  form an upper peripheral edge  93  of third filtration chamber  90 . 
         [0040]    In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the overflow weir wall  94  comprises an overflow edge  95  which establishes the level at which sediment-containing water overflows the filtration chamber  90 . In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the overflow edge  95  is formed as a lip that extends toward the baffle wall  81  of the second baffle chamber  80 , as most clearly shown in  FIGS. 1 and 3 . In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the overflow edge  95  of the overflow weir wall  94  is formed at a height lower than the upper peripheral edge  93  of the third filtration chamber  90 . In addition, the overflow edge  95  of the overflow weir wall  94  is formed at a height lower than the top edge  82  of the baffle wall  81 . This arrangement provides that the sediment-containing water will exit the filtration chamber  90  over the overflow weir wall  94 . As shown in  FIGS. 1-3 and 5 , the overflow edge  95  of the overflow weir wall  94  may comprise studs  96  for securing a curtain filter  97  to the top of the overflow weir wall  94 . 
         [0041]    In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the filtration chamber  90  includes a filter media support  100 . The filter media support  100  extends at least partially across a length and width of the third filtration chamber  90  below the upper peripheral edge  93  of the third filtration chamber  90 , as shown most clearly in  FIGS. 1-3 . In the embodiment shown, the filter media support  100  comprises a bottom panel  101 and a top panel  103  that hold a filter material  106  within the filter media support  100 . In certain embodiments, the bottom panel  101  may be secured in filtration chamber  90  by welding  102  the bottom panel  101  to the baffle wall  81 , overflow weir wall  94 , and/or first and second sidewalls  98  and  99 . In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the top panel  101  may be placed on securing blocks  104  positioned on the baffle wall  81 , overflow weir wall  94 , and/or first and second sidewalls  98  and  99 . As shown in  FIG. 3 , the securing blocks  104  may include pins  105  to removably secure the top panel  103  in place. In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the top panel  103  is positioned a vertical distance from the bottom panel  101  to allow various thicknesses of filter material  106  to be placed in the filter media support  100 . 
         [0042]    The filter material  106  may have a thickness selected based on characteristics of the sediment-containing water. For example, the filter material  106  may have a thickness ranging from 0.5 to 15 inches, or from 1 to 12 inches or from 1.5 to 10 inches. The filter material  106  may be made of the same or different material as the filter material  46 . In addition, the filter material  106  may be of the same or of a different thickness than the filter material  46 . 
         [0043]    In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the filter material  106  of the filter media support  100  of the filtration chamber  90  may be treated with a flocculating agent. The flocculating agent may be any suitable non-ionic, anionic or cationic flocculating agent, as previously described herein. In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the filter material  106  in the filter media support  100  of the third filtration chamber  90  may be treated with a flocculating agent or may be substantially free of flocculating agents. 
         [0044]    In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, baffle chamber  110  is formed by overflow weir wall  94 , first and second sidewalls  98  and  99 , and baffle wall  111 . In certain embodiments, the baffle wall  111  is placed at a distance from the overflow weir wall  94  to assure continuation of the upward flow mixing and filtration process of the multi-chamber water filtration system  10 . The baffle wall  111  comprises a top edge  112  and a bottom edge  113 . The top edge  112  may be positioned at a height substantially equal to the height of the upper peripheral edge  93  of the filtration chamber  90 . This allows the baffle wall  111 to extend above the overflow edge  95  of the overflow weir wall  94  and provides for the sediment-containing water to flow into the baffle chamber  110 . The bottom edge  113  of the baffle wall  111  may be located at a distance from the bottom surface  121  of the stilling basin  120 . For example, the distance between the bottom edge  113  and the bottom surface  121  may typically range from 2 to 18 inches, or from 3 to 12 inches or from 4 to 10 inches. The distance between the bottom edge  113  of the baffle wall  111  and the bottom surface  121  forms a baffle outlet at the bottom of the third baffle chamber  110 . The baffle outlet at the bottom of the third baffle chamber  110  corresponds to a lower inlet opening of the first stilling basin  120 . Thus, the sediment-containing water overflows from the third filtration chamber  90  into the third baffle chamber  110  and through the baffle outlet into the lower inlet opening of the first stilling basin  120 . In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the baffle chamber  110  may comprise supports  114  between the overflow weir wall  94  and the baffle wall  111 , as most clearly shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 . The supports provide additional rigidity to the third filtration chamber  90  and the third baffle chamber  110 . 
         [0045]    As shown in  FIG. 3 , the baffle chamber  110  comprises a curtain filter  97 . The curtain filter  97  may extend from the overflow edge  95  of the overflow weir wall  94  into the baffle chamber  110 . As the sediment-containing water and flocs flow over the overflow weir wall  94 , the sediment-containing water and flocs come into contact with the curtain filter  97  for additional filtering. 
         [0046]    As shown in  FIGS. 1-3 , the first stilling basin  120  comprises bottom surface  121 , baffle wall  111 , first and second sidewalls  128  and  129 , and overflow weir wall  124 . In the embodiment shown, bottom surface  121  and first and second sidewalls  128  and  129  are formed by the walls of the filtration container  12 . In certain embodiments, the first and second sidewalls  128  and  129  form an upper peripheral edge  123 . 
         [0047]    The overflow weir wall  124  may be connected to the filtration container  12  by welding the overflow weir wall  124  to the bottom surface  121  and first and second sidewalls  128  and  129  to form the water tight stilling basin  120 . Alternatively, the overflow weir wall  34  may be integrally formed in the first stilling basin  120 . The overflow weir wall  124  comprises an overflow edge  125  which establishes the level at which sediment-containing water overflows the stilling basin  120 . In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the overflow edge  125  forms a lip that extends toward the baffle wall  111  of the third baffle chamber  110 , as most clearly shown in  FIGS. 1 and 3 . In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the overflow edge  125  of the overflow weir wall  124  is formed at a height lower than the upper peripheral edge  123  of the first stilling basin  120 . In addition, the overflow edge  125  of the overflow weir wall  124  is formed at a height lower than the top edge  112  of the baffle wall  111 . This arrangement provides that the sediment-containing water will exit the first stilling basin  120  over the overflow weir wall  124 . As shown in  FIGS. 1-3 and 5 , the overflow edge  125  of the overflow weir wall  124  may comprise studs  126  for securing a curtain filter  127  to the top of the overflow weir wall  124 . In the embodiment shown, the studs  126  are sharpened metal rod welded to the overflow edge  125  of the overflow weir wall  124 . However, any other suitable method of attaching the curtain filter to the overflow weir wall  124  such as magnets, mechanical fasteners, Velcro or the like may be used. Although the overflow edge  125  shown in  FIGS. 1-3  is formed as a lip that extends toward the baffle wall  111 , the overflow weir wall  124  may have a lip extending away from the baffle wall, toward the bottom surface  121 , or no lip and only an overflow edge. 
         [0048]    In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the first stilling basin  120  includes a filter media support  130 . The filter media support  120  extends at least partially across a length and width of the first stilling basin below the upper peripheral edge  123  of the first stilling basin  120 , as shown most clearly in  FIGS. 1-3 . In the embodiment shown, the filter media support  130  extends across the entire length and width of the first stilling basin  120 , but any other suitable arrangement may be used. For example, the filter media support  130  may extend across 50 percent of the length and width of the first stilling basin  120  or 75 percent of the length and width of the first stilling basin  120 . 
         [0049]    In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the filter media support  130  comprises a bottom panel  131  and a top panel  133  that hold a filter material  136  within the filter media support  130 . In certain embodiments, the bottom panel  131  may be secured in the first stilling basin  120  by welding  132  the bottom panel  131  to the baffle wall  111 , overflow weir wall  124 , and/or first and second sidewalls  128  and  129 . Alternatively, any other suitable method for securing the bottom panel  131  in the stilling basin  120  may be used, e.g., mechanical fasteners or glue, or may be integrally formed therewith. In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the top panel  131  may be placed on securing blocks  134  positioned on the baffle wall  111 , overflow weir wall  124 , and/or first and second sidewalls  128  and  129 . As shown in  FIG. 3 , the securing blocks  134  may include pins  135  to removably secure the top panel  133  in place. This arrangement allows the top panel  133  to be easily removed to install and replace the filter material  136 . However, it is to be understood that any suitable method to secure the top panel  133  in the first stilling basin  120  may be used. For example, magnets, mechanical fasteners, welding, or the like. In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the top panel  133  is positioned a vertical distance from the bottom panel  131  to allow various thicknesses of filter material  136  to be placed in the filter media support  130 . For example, the distance between the top plate  133  and the bottom plate  131  may typically range from 2 to 24 inches, or from 4 to 18 inches, or from 6 to 12 inches. 
         [0050]    As shown in  FIG. 3 , the filter material  136  may be positioned between the bottom panel  131  and the top panel  133 . In the embodiment shown, the filter material  136  is sized to completely cover the surface area of the filter media support  130 , however, any other suitable size arrangement may be used. The filter material  136  may have a thickness selected based on characteristics of the sediment-containing water. For example, the filter material  136  may have a thickness ranging from 0.5 to 15 inches, or from 1 to 12 inches or from 1.5 to 10 inches. The filter material  136  may be made of any suitable materials, including natural materials, e.g., fibers or filaments of wood, silk, jute, hemp, cotton, linen, and the like, or synthetic materials, e.g., polyolefin, polyester, rayon, cellulose ester, polyvinyl, polyamide, and the like, as well as combinations of all of the above. In addition, the filter material  136  may comprise woven, non-woven or monolithic layers. In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the filter material  136  of the first stilling basin  120  may be of the same or a different thickness and/or material as the filter material  48  of the first filtration chamber  30 . For example, the filter material  136  may be a woven jute material. 
         [0051]    In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the filter material  136  of the filter media support  130  of the stilling basin  120  may be treated with a flocculating agent. The flocculating agent may be any suitable non-ionic, anionic or cationic flocculating agent. In a preferred embodiment, the filter material  136  of the filter media support  130  of the stilling basin  120  is substantially free of flocculating agents. This arrangement allows the filter material  136  to trap and hold both flocs and any flocculating agents in the sediment-containing water. 
         [0052]    In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, baffle chamber  140  is formed by overflow weir wall  124 , first and second sidewalls  128  and  129 , and baffle wall  141 . Baffle wall  141  may be secured in the filtration container  12  by being welded to the first and second sidewalls  128  and  129 . In another embodiment, baffle wall  141  may be connected to the first and second side walls  128  and  129  by any suitable attachment means, such as, mechanical fasteners or adhesive, or may be integrally formed therewith. In certain embodiments, the baffle wall  141  is placed at a distance from the overflow weir wall  124  to assure continuation of the upward flow mixing and filtration process of the multi-chamber water filtration system  10 . The baffle wall  141  comprises a top edge  142  and a bottom edge  143 . The top edge  142  may be positioned at a height substantially equal to the height of the upper peripheral edge  123  of the first stilling basin  120 . This allows the baffle wall  141 to extend above the overflow edge  125  of the overflow weir wall  124  and provides for the sediment-containing water to flow into the baffle chamber  140 . The bottom edge  143  of the baffle wall  141  may be located at a distance from the bottom surface  151  of the stilling basin  150 . For example, the distance between the bottom edge  143  and the bottom surface  151  may typically range from 2 to 18 inches, or from 3 to 12 inches or from 4 to 10 inches. The distance between the bottom edge  143  of the baffle wall  141  and the bottom surface  151  forms a baffle outlet at the bottom of the fourth baffle chamber  140 . The baffle outlet at the bottom of the fourth baffle chamber  140  corresponds to a lower inlet opening of the final stilling basin  150 . In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the baffle chamber  140  may comprise supports  144  between the overflow weir wall  124  and the baffle wall  141 , as most clearly shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 . The supports provide additional rigidity to the first stilling basin  120  and the fourth baffle chamber  140 . 
         [0053]    As shown in  FIG. 3 , the baffle chamber  140  comprises a curtain filter  127 . The curtain filter  127  may extend from the overflow edge  125  of the overflow weir wall  124  into the baffle chamber  140 . As the sediment-containing water and flocs flow over the overflow weir wall  124 , the sediment-containing water and flocs come into contact with the curtain filter  127  for additional filtering. 
         [0054]    As shown in  FIGS. 1-3 , the second stilling basin  150  may be of the same or similar construction as the first stilling basin  120 , as previously discussed. Similar element numbers are used to describe the same features found in the first stilling basin  120 . As shown in  FIGS. 1-3 , the second stilling basin  150  may also be considered the final stilling basin. In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the second stilling basin  150  comprises bottom surface  151 , baffle wall  141 , first and second sidewalls  158  and  159 , and overflow weir wall  154 . In the embodiment shown, bottom surface  151  and first and second sidewalls  158  and  159  are formed by the walls of the filtration container  12 . In certain embodiments, the first and second sidewalls  158  and  159  form an upper peripheral edge  153 . 
         [0055]    In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the overflow weir wall  154  comprises an overflow edge  155  establishes the level at which sediment-containing water overflows the stilling basin  150 . In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the overflow edge  155  is formed as a lip that extends toward the baffle wall  141  of the fourth baffle chamber  110 , as most clearly shown in  FIGS. 1 and 3 . In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the overflow edge  155  of the overflow weir wall  154  is formed at a height lower than the upper peripheral edge  153  of the second stilling basin  150 . In addition, the overflow edge  155  of the overflow weir wall  154  is formed at a height lower than the top edge  142  of the baffle wall  141 . This arrangement provides that the sediment-containing water will exit the second stilling basin  150  over the overflow weir wall  154 . The overflow edge  155  of the final stilling basin  150  forms an upper outlet for the filtered water. As shown in  FIGS. 1-3 and 5 , the overflow edge  155  of the overflow weir wall  154  may comprise studs  156  for securing a curtain filter  157  to the top of the overflow weir wall  154 . 
         [0056]    In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the second stilling basin  150  includes a filter media support  160 . The filter media support extends at least partially across a length and width of the second stilling basin  150  below the upper peripheral edge  153  of the second stilling basin, as shown most clearly in  FIGS. 1-3 . The filter media support  160  comprises a bottom panel  161 and a top panel  163  that hold a filter material  166  within the filter media support  160 . In certain embodiments, the bottom panel  161  may be secured in stilling basin  150  by welding  162  the bottom panel  161  to the baffle wall  141 , overflow weir wall  154 , and/or first and second sidewalls  158  and  159 . In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the top panel  161  may be placed on securing blocks  164  positioned on the baffle wall  141 , overflow weir wall  154 , and/or first and second sidewalls  158  and  159 . As shown in  FIG. 3 , the securing blocks  164  may include pins  165  to removably secure the top panel  163  in place. In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the top panel  163  is positioned a vertical distance from the bottom panel  161  to allow various thicknesses of filter material  166  to be placed in the filter media support  160 . 
         [0057]    The filter material  166  may have a thickness selected based on characteristics of the sediment-containing water. For example, the filter material  166  may have a thickness ranging from 0.5 to 15 inches, or from 1 to 12 inches or from 1.5 to 10 inches. The filter material  166  may be made of the same or different material as the filter material  136 . In addition, the filter material  166  may be of the same or of a different thickness than the filter material  136 . 
         [0058]    In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the filter material  166  of the filter media support  160  of the stilling basin  150  may be treated with a flocculating agent. The flocculating agent may be any suitable non-ionic, anionic or cationic flocculating agent. In a preferred embodiment, the filter material  166  of the filter media support  160  of the second stilling basin  150  is substantially free of flocculating agents. This arrangement allows the filter material  166  to trap and hold both flocs and any flocculating agents in the sediment-containing water. 
         [0059]    In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, baffle chamber  170  is formed by overflow weir wall  154 , first and second sidewalls  158  and  159 , and outlet wall  171 . As shown in  FIGS. 1-3 , baffle chamber  170  may also be considered the final baffle chamber. Outlet wall  171  may be formed by the filtration container  12 . The outlet wall  171  comprises a top edge  122  and a bottom edge  133 . The top edge  172  may be positioned at a height substantially equal to the height of the upper peripheral edge  153  of the second stilling basin  150 . This allows the outlet wall  171 to extend above the overflow edge  155  of the overflow weir wall  154  and provides for the filtered water to flow into the baffle chamber  170  or the final baffle chamber. The bottom edge  173  of the outlet wall  171  may be located at the bottom surface of the filtration container  12 . Alternatively, the bottom edge  173  may be located at a distance higher than the bottom edge of the filtration container  12 . In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the baffle chamber  170  may comprise supports  174  between the overflow weir wall  154  and the outlet wall  171 , as most clearly shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 . The supports provide additional rigidity to the final stilling basin  150  and the final baffle chamber  170 . 
         [0060]    As shown in  FIG. 3 , the final baffle chamber  170  comprises a curtain filter  157 . The curtain filter  157  may extend from the overflow edge  155  of the overflow weir wall  154  into the baffle chamber  170 . As the filtered water flows over the overflow weir wall  154 , the filtered water comes into contact with the curtain filter  157  for a final filtering before being returned to the environment. 
         [0061]    As shown in  FIGS. 2 and 3 , the baffle chamber  170  or the final baffle chamber has a final baffle chamber outlet  176  for returning the filtered water back to the environment. In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the final baffle chamber outlet  176  may typically have a diameter ranging from 2 to 10 inches, or from 4 to 8 inches. The final baffle chamber  176  may be in flow communication with a container outlet which may be engaged by any suitable sized hose or pipe to return the filtered water back to the environment. 
         [0062]    As shown in  FIG. 1 , filtration chambers  30 ,  60  and  90  and stilling basins  120  and  150  may each have a drain valve  180  located in their respective sidewalls. The drain valve  180  may be a 3 inch gate valve, however, any other suitable size and type of valve may be used. For example, a ball valve, a butterfly valve, a globe valve, a knife valve, and the like. In certain embodiments, the diameter of the drain valve  180  may range from 1 to 10 inches, for example, from 2 to 8 inches or from 3 to 6 inches. The drain valve  180  allows the filtration container  12  to be cleaned and allows for draining for the filtration container before transportation of the multi-chamber water filtration system  10 . In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, a standard hose and pump may be attached to the drain valve located in the final stilling basin  150 . The sediment-containing water may be pumped from the final stilling basin  150  into the inlet control valve of a second multi-chamber filtration system (not shown). This process may be repeated until the desired reduction in total suspended solids concentration is obtained. 
         [0063]    In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the filtration chambers  30 ,  60  and  90  and stilling basins  120  and  150  may each have a removable plug (not shown) located in their respective bottom surfaces. The removable plug may be a 4 inch circular plug that may be removed to allow the filtration chambers  30 ,  60  and  90  and stilling basins  120  and  150  of the filtration container  12  to be cleaned. In accordance with another embodiment of the present invention, the filtration container  12  may have four lifting eyes (not shown) structured and arranged to allow a crane to hook to and lift the multi-chamber water filtration system  10 . The four lifting eye may be located in the four corners of the filtration container  12 . This arrangement allows the multi-chamber water filtration system  10  to remain level when lifted by a crane. 
         [0064]    In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the filtration container  12  has a consistent width W along its overall length L O , as shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 . This arrangement results in the filtration chambers, baffle chambers and stilling basins to also have substantially equal widths. Alternatively, the widths of the filtration chambers, baffle chambers and stilling basins may be varied. As shown in  FIG. 3 , the overall height H O  of the filtration container corresponds to the height of the upper peripheral edge  33  of the first filtration chamber  30 . 
         [0065]    As shown in  FIG. 3 , the first filtration chamber  30  has a length L FC1 , the second filtration chamber  60  has a length L FC2  and the third filtration chamber  90  has a length L FC3 . The dimensions of the filtration chambers may be varied to assure continuation of the upward flow mixing and filtration process of the multi-chamber water filtration system  10 . For example, the length L FC1  of the first filtration chamber  30  may be from 5 to 200 percent greater, for example, from 25 to 150 percent greater, or from 50 to 125 percent greater than the length L FC2  of the second filtration chamber  60  and the length L FC3  of the third filtration chamber  90 . In certain embodiments, the length L FC1  of the first filtration chamber  30  is greater than the length L FC2  of the second filtration chamber  60 . For example, the ratio of L FC1 :L FC2  may be from 0.5:1 to 5:1, for example, from 1:1 to 3:1. The greater the length of the filtration chamber, the longer the sediment-containing water spends in the filtration chamber. Additional time in the filtration chambers  30 ,  60  and  90  results in additional time for the flocculating agents to mix with the sediment-containing water and form flocs that either fall to the bottom of the filtration chambers as a result of gravity or are filtered out by the filter media supports  40 ,  70  and  100  or the curtain filters  37 ,  67  or  97 . 
         [0066]    As shown in  FIG. 3 , the first stilling basin  120  has a length L SB1  and the second stilling basin  150  has a length L SB2 . The dimensions of the stilling basins may be varied to assure continuation of the upward flow mixing and filtration process of the multi-chamber water filtration system  10 . For example, the length L SB1  of the first stilling basin  120  may be from 5 to 200 percent greater, for example, from 25 to 150 percent greater, or from 50 to 125 percent greater than the length L FC2  of the second filtration chamber  60  and the length L FC3  of the third filtration chamber  90 . This arrangement allows the velocity and turbulence of the sediment-containing water to diminish upon flowing into the first and second stilling basins  120  and  150 . The sediment-containing water having a reduced velocity and turbulence allows flocs to settle on the bottom surfaces of the stilling basins and/or in the filter media supports  130  and  160  of the stilling basins. In certain embodiments, the length L SB1  of the first stilling basin  120  is equal to the length L SB2  of the second stilling basin  150 . The greater the length of the stilling basins, the longer the sediment-containing water spends in the stilling basins. Additional time in the stilling basins results in additional time for the flocculating agents to mix with the sediment-containing water and form flocs that either fall to the bottom of the stilling basins or are filtered out by the filter media supports  130  and  160  or the curtain filters  127  or  157 . 
         [0067]    As shown in  FIG. 3 , the sediment-containing water introduced into the filtration container  12  rises the following rise heights in the filtration chambers and stilling basins. The sediment-containing water has a rise height H R1  from the container inlet  28  to the overflow edge  35  to overflow from the first filtration chamber  30  into the first baffle chamber  50 . The sediment-containing water has a rise height H R2  from the lower inlet opening of the second filtration chamber  60  to the overflow edge  65  to overflow from the second filtration chamber  60  into the second baffle chamber  80 . The sediment-containing water has a rise height H R3  from the lower inlet opening of the third filtration chamber  90  to the overflow edge  95  to overflow from the third filtration chamber  90  into the third baffle chamber  110 . The sediment-containing water has a rise height H R4  from the lower inlet opening of the first stilling basin  120  to the overflow edge  125  to overflow from the first stilling basin  120  into the baffle chamber  140 . The sediment-containing water has a rise height H R5  from the lower inlet opening of the final stilling basin  150  to the overflow edge  155  to overflow filtered water from the second still basin  150  or the final stilling basin into the baffle chamber  170  or the final baffle chamber. In accordance with an embodiment of the invention, the sum of the rise heights H R1 , H R2 , H R3 , H R4  and H R5  is greater than the overall length L O  of the filtration container  12 . The elongated upflow path that the sediment-containing water travels through the filtration container  12  is extended due to the rises in the filtration chambers and stilling basins, and falls down the baffle chambers. These rises and falls provide additional time for flocculation of the colloids and particles of the sediment-containing water. 
         [0068]    In an embodiment of the present invention, the multi-chamber water filtration system  10  is transported to a treatment site and leveled. The sediment-containing water is drawn from a source of water into the pretreatment container  20  of the multi-chamber water filtration system  10  by a standard pump and encounters a flocculating agent in the pretreatment chamber  20  so that the sediment-containing water can begin to mix with the flocculating agent. The flow rate of water into the pretreatment chamber  20  may be controlled by the inlet control valve  22  to provide sufficient detention time in the filtration container  12  to achieve the desired flocculation and coagulation of the sediment-containing water. As used herein, the term “detention time” refers the amount of time it takes for water to travel from the inlet control valve  22  to the final baffle chamber  170 . For example, water flow rates of from zero to 1,000 gallons per minute (gpm) may be used, or from 50 to 750 gpm, or from 100 to 500 gpm. The flow rate of the water may be held constant, or may be varied as desired. In certain embodiments, the flow rate may be increased, reduced or stopped periodically to decrease or increase the detention time of the sediment-containing water inside the multi-chamber water filtration system. For example, detention times of from 5 to 30 minutes may be used, or from 7 to 20 minutes, or from 10 to 16 minutes. 
         [0069]    In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the filtered water has a total suspended solids concentration at least 50 percent less than the total suspended solids concentration of the sediment-containing water, e.g., at least 60 percent less, or at least 75 percent less, or at least 90 percent less, or least 96 percent or more less. 
         [0070]    The sediment-containing water is travels from the pretreatment chamber into the filtration container  12  through the inlet pipe. The inlet pipe begins the flocculation process as the flocculating agent mixes and dissolves in sediment-containing water. The sediment-containing water enters the first filtration chamber near its bottom surface and gravity reduces the velocity of the sediment-containing water. As the sediment-containing water churns in and fills the first filtration chamber, the water and flocculating agent continue to mix and stir together. As a result, flocs begin to form and fall to the bottom surface of the filtration chamber. The sediment-containing water continues to rise and flows through the filter media support. The filter medium of the filter media support is treated with additional flocculating agent and flocculation can be further enhanced. The filter medium also acts to capture some of the sediment, while the remaining sediment flows to the top of the first filtration chamber. The sediment-containing water continues to fill the filtration chamber until it rises above and flows over the overflow edge of the overflow weir wall, through the curtain filter and into the baffle chamber. The sediment-containing water flows through the baffle outlet and into the lower inlet opening of the second filtration chamber. This process is then repeated for the second and third filtration chambers. As the sediment-containing water continues to be exposed to and mix with the flocculating agents, flocs continue to form and fall to the bottom of the filtration chambers, or get trapped in the filter media supports or curtain filters. 
         [0071]    After the third filtration chamber, the sediment-containing water enters a first stilling basin from the baffle outlet of the third baffle chamber. The stilling basin is wider than the preceding filtration chamber. This arrangement allows the velocity and turbulence of the sediment-containing water to diminish. The inactivity of the sediment-containing water in the stilling basin allows for the flocculation of the colloids and particles. The filter medium of the filter media support of the first stilling basin is substantially free of additional flocculating agents. In addition, the sediment-containing water is in contact with the filter media supports of the stilling basins for a longer duration. This longer contact allows for both flocs and the flocculating agent to be trapped in the filter medium of the stilling basins. The sediment-containing water continues to fill the stilling basin until it rises above and flows over the overflow edge of the overflow weir wall, through the curtain filter and into the baffle chamber. This process is then repeated for the second and final stilling basin. 
         [0072]    In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the desired amount of sediment will have been removed from the sediment-containing water once it flows through the second stilling basin. Thus, the water that flow over the overflow edge of the overflow weir wall of the second stilling basin and through the final curtain filter may be considered the filtered water. The filtered water flows from the second stilling basin into the final baffle chamber. The filtered water is then returned to the environment containing a lower level of sediment than the sediment level of the sediment-containing water drawn into the pretreatment chamber. Prior to the release of any filtered water, samples are taken and on-site testing is done to assure that the filtered water meets the applicable EPA water standards. 
         [0073]    The filtration chamber  12  and pretreatment chamber  20  may be made of any suitable materials such as plain steel, stainless steel, galvanized steel, aluminum, plastics and the like. For example, the filtration container  12  and the pretreatment chamber  20  may be made of one quarter inch steel plate. 
         [0074]    The following example is intended to illustrate various aspects of the present invention, and is not intended to limit the scope of the invention. 
       EXAMPLE 
       [0075]    A multi-chamber water filtration system as described herein is transported to a treatment site and leveled. The system is operated as follows: sediment-containing water containing a total suspended solids concentration of about 4000 milligrams per liter (mg/L) is pumped in a standard 3 inch fire hose from a source of construction water with a standard pump operating at about 350 gallons per minute into the inlet control valve of the pretreatment chamber. The sediment-containing water flows through the pretreatment chamber and the anionic polyacrylamide co-polymer flocculating agent of the flocculating brick dissolves into the water. The sediment-containing water flows from the pretreatment chamber into the inlet pipe to the container inlet. 
         [0076]    The sediment-containing water flows from the container inlet into the first filtration chamber and begins to rise in the first filtration chamber. The sediment-containing water passes through the filter medium of the filter media trap of the first filtration chamber. The filter medium of the filter media trap of the first filtration chamber consists of a 3 inch woven jute material that was impregnated with a dry anionic polyacrylamide co-polymer powder. The sediment-laden water continues to rise in the first filtration chamber until it reaches the upper overflow edge of the first baffle chamber and flows into the baffle chamber over and through the curtain filter. The curtain filter of the first baffle chamber consists of a 3 inch woven jute material that is substantially free of any flocculating agent and hangs 2 feet into the first baffle chamber. 
         [0077]    The sediment-containing water flows from the baffle outlet of the first baffle chamber into the second filtration chamber and begins to rise in the second filtration chamber. The sediment-containing water passes through the filter medium of the filter media trap of the second filtration chamber. The filter medium of the filter media trap of the second filtration chamber consists of a 3 inch woven jute material that is substantially free of any flocculating agent. The sediment-laden water continues to rise in the second filtration chamber until it reaches the upper overflow edge of the second baffle chamber and flows into the baffle chamber over and through the curtain filter. The curtain filter of the second baffle chamber consists of a 3 inch woven jute material that is substantially free of any flocculating agent and hangs 2 feet into the second baffle chamber. 
         [0078]    The sediment-containing water flows from the baffle outlet of the second baffle chamber into the third filtration chamber and begins to rise in the third filtration chamber. The sediment-containing water passes through the filter medium of the filter media trap of the third filtration chamber. The filter medium of the filter media trap of the third filtration chamber consists of a 3 inch woven jute material that is substantially free of any flocculating agent. The sediment-laden water continues to rise in the third filtration chamber until it reaches the upper overflow edge of the third baffle chamber and flows into the baffle chamber over and through the curtain filter. The curtain filter of the third baffle chamber consists of a 3 inch woven jute material that is substantially free of any flocculating agent and hangs 2 feet into the third baffle chamber. 
         [0079]    The sediment-containing water flows from the baffle outlet of the third baffle chamber into the first stilling basin and begins to rise in the first stilling basin. The first stilling basin has a length greater than the lengths of the second and third filtration chambers. The sediment-containing water passes through the filter medium of the filter media trap of the first stilling basin. The filter medium of the filter media trap of the first stilling basin consists of a 3 inch woven jute material that is substantially free of any flocculating agent. The sediment-laden water continues to rise in the first stilling basin until it reaches the upper overflow edge of the fourth baffle chamber and flows into the baffle chamber over and through the curtain filter. The curtain filter of the fourth baffle chamber consists of a 3 inch woven jute material that is substantially free of any flocculating agent and hangs 2 feet into the fourth baffle chamber. 
         [0080]    The sediment-containing water flows from the baffle outlet of the fourth baffle chamber into the second stilling basin and begins to rise in the final stilling basin. The sediment-containing water passes through the filter medium of the filter media trap of the final stilling basin. The filter medium of the filter media trap of the final stilling basin consists of a 3 inch woven jute material that is substantially free of any flocculating agent. The filtered water continues to rise in the final stilling basin until it reaches the upper overflow edge of the final baffle chamber and flows into the final baffle chamber over and through the curtain filter. The curtain filter of the final baffle chamber consists of a 3 inch woven jute material that is substantially free of any flocculating agent and hangs 2 feet into the final baffle chamber. 
         [0081]    The filtered water then exits the system from the container outlet in a 6 inch diameter hose containing a total suspended solids concentration of less than 160 mg/L. Thus, about 96; % of the total suspended solids were removed at a 12 minute detention time. 
         [0082]    Whereas particular embodiments of this invention have been described above for purposes of illustration, it will be evident to those skilled in the art that numerous variations of the details of the present invention may be made without departing from the invention as defined in the appended claims.