Water and Wastewater Terms Beginning D

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W Y Z

detention

The delay or holding of the flow of water and water-carried wastes in a pipe system. This can be caused by a restriction in the pipe, a stoppage, or a dip. Detention also means the time water is held or stored in a basin or a wet well. Also called retention; however, retention typically refers to solids being retained.