Glossary of Water and Wastewater Terms

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5 random terms from our glossary

slaked lime

See hydrated lime.

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.

comminutor (kom-mih-NEW-ter)

A device used to reduce the size of the solid materials in wastewater by shredding (comminution). The shredding action is like many scissors cutting to shreds all the large solids in the wastewater.

specific capacity test

A testing method used to determine the adequacy of an aquifer or well by measuring the specific capacity.

physical waste treatment process

Physical wastewater treatment processes include use of racks, screens, comminutors, clarifiers (sedimentation and flotation), and filtration. Chemical or biological reactions are important treatment processes, but not part of a physical treatment process.