A multiple element filter system comprising a filter housing defining a water inlet for water to be filtered, a filtered water outlet, a plurality of cylindrical filter elements, each defining upstream and downstream surfaces, disposed in the filter housing such that the upstream surfaces communicate with the water inlet and the downstream surfaces communicate with the filtered water outlet, and a flushing assembly including a movable flushing communication member arranged for selectable flushing communication with the upstream surfaces of each of the plurality of filter elements and apparatus for selectable coupling of the communiation member to a flush drain at atmospheric or relatively low pressure.