A filtering apparatus comprising an inlet and at least two outlets

An apparatus for filtering solid and/or non-dissolved contaminants entrained in flowing water, the apparatus comprising an inlet for the water containing the entrained solid or non-dissolved contaminants to flow into a filtering chamber; a first outlet for expelling the unfiltered water from the filtering chamber; a housing positioned relative to the filtering chamber; the filtering chamber further comprising: a curved or corner portion in the filtering chamber providing a generally U-shaped flow path for water flowing from the first inlet to the first outlet and wherein the curved or corner portion causes the water to flow in the opposite direction when the water flows along the curved or corner portion, the curved portion or corner portion providing at least a part of the flow path that leads from the first inlet to the first outlet; and a filtering screen for filtration of solid and/or non-dissolved contaminants from the influent water thereby allowing passage of filtered water out of the filtering chamber. The apparatus is characterised in that a substantially flat perforated wall or side or portion thereof of the filtering chamber forms an in use floor of the filtering chamber for filtration of debris from the influent water. There has been a long felt need for conventional rain water filters to achieve comparatively high catchment efficiency. The invention aims to the change of direction of the water flow in the apparatus to slow down the flow of water through the chamber and increase the overall residence time in the filtering chamber.