Review article

There has been carried out a comparative analysis of the efficiency of cleaning methods for slot-type filter heads of water intake structures at the Main water supply station of St. Petersburg. The study is based on the processing of archival data from the automated process control system, as well as data in operational logs for 2025. The main cleaning methods considered include air blowing, backwashing, and mechanical cleaning performed by divers. The efficiency assessment was conducted based on the analysis of water level variations in overflow chambers and the frequency of cleaning operations. It has been established that differences in the efficiency of the methods are caused by mud grouting processes of filter elements, leading to a decrease in their permeability and an increase in hydraulic resistance. It has been established, that backwashing provides only a short-term effect and requires frequent repetition (up to once per day during the winter period), whereas air blowing increases the duration of operation without cleaning to 6-30 days. The longest-lasting effect is achieved by mechanical cleaning; however, this method is associated with the highest operational costs. The results obtained make it possible to justify the selection of an optimal maintenance strategy for water intake heads, taking into account both technical and economic efficiency.