Glossary of Water and Wastewater Terms

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5 random terms from our glossary

Wasteline Vent

Most plumbing codes require a vent pipe connection of adequate size and located downstream of a trap in a building wastewater system. This vent prevents the accumulation of gases or odors and is usually piped through the roof and out of doors.

Sterilization (STAIR-uh-luh-ZAY-shun)

The removal or destruction of all microorganisms, including pathogens and other bacteria, vegetative forms, and spores. Compare with DISINFECTION.

Suspended Solids

1. Solids that either float on the surface or are suspended in water, wastewater, or other liquids, and that are largely removable by laboratory filtering.
2. The quantity of material removed from water or wastewater in a laboratory test, as prescribed in STANDARD METHODS FOR THE EXAMINATION OF WATER AND WASTEWATER, and referred to as Total Suspended Solids Dried at 103–105°C.

Reclamation

The operation or process of changing the condition or characteristics of water so that improved uses can be achieved.

Molecule

The smallest division of a compound that still retains or exhibits all the properties of the substance.