Glossary of Water and Wastewater Terms
A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W Y Z5 random terms from our glossary
Secchi disk (SECK-key)
A flat disc approximately 8 inches (20 cm) in diameter with alternating black and white quarters that is lowered into the water by a rope until it is just barely visible. At this point, the depth of the disk from the water surface is the recorded Secchi disk transparency.
SDWA
See Safe Drinking Water Act.
anaerobic bacteria (AN-air-O-bick back-TEER-e-uh)
Bacteria that live and reproduce in an environment containing no free or dissolved oxygen (DO). Anaerobic bacteria obtain their oxygen supply by breaking down chemical compounds that contain oxygen, such as sulfate (SO42–).
lockout/tagout
Standardized safety practices and procedures used to disable machinery or equipment to prevent the accidental release of hazardous energy during repair and maintenance activities.
septic tank
A system sometimes used where wastewater collection systems and treatment plants are not available. The system is a settling tank in which settled sludge and floatable scum are in intimate contact with the wastewater flowing through the tank and the organic solids are decomposed by anaerobic bacterial action. Used to treat wastewater and produce an effluent that is usually discharged to subsurface leaching. Also referred to as an interceptor; however, the preferred term is septic tank.
