The present invention relates to water filters utilizing disc filter elements and in particular, to such a filtering apparatus having self-cleaning capabilities by utilizing automated back-flushing to clean the filtering elements where the self-cleaning process is enhanced by introducing a secondary flowing fluid, preferably atmospheric air, into the back-flushing stream. The filter apparatus is further enhanced with a disc filter spine having a plurality of spray nozzles arranged on the spine channels that may be adapted to produce a cleaning flowing fluid jet stream at a variety of angles facilitating cleaning, separation and spinning of the disc filtering elements. The filter apparatus may further enhance the cleaning process by introducing a flushing apparatus adapted to facilitate removal of effluent from the filter.