Glossary of Water and Wastewater Terms

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5 random terms from our glossary

turbidimeter

See turbidity meter.

warning

This word is used to indicate a hazard level between “caution” and “danger.” Also see caution, danger, and notice.

overturn

The almost spontaneous mixing of all layers of water in a reservoir or lake when the water temperature becomes similar from top to bottom. This may occur in the fall/winter when the surface waters cool to the same temperature as the bottom waters and also in the spring when the surface waters warm after the ice melts. This is also called turnover.

specific yield

The quantity of water that a unit volume of saturated permeable rock or soil will yield when drained by gravity. Specific yield may be expressed as a ratio or as a percentage by volume.

chemical grout

Two chemical solutions that form a solid when combined. Solidification time is controlled by the strength of the mixtures used and the temperature.