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
color
The substances in water that impart a yellowish-brown color to the water. These substances are the result of iron and manganese ions, humus and peat materials, plankton, aquatic weeds, and industrial waste present in the water. Also see true color.
header
A large pipe to which the ends of a series of smaller pipes are connected. Also see manifold.
parts per million (ppm)
A measurement of concentration on a weight or volume basis. Parts per million by mass is equivalent to milligrams per liter (mg/L). Parts per million by volume is a common way to measure concentrations of gases.
initial sampling
The very first sampling conducted under the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA) for each of the applicable contaminant categories.
discharge head
The pressure, in pounds per square inch (psi) or kilopascals (kPa), measured at the centerline of a pump discharge and very close to the discharge flange, converted into feet or meters. The pressure is measured from the centerline of the pump to the hydraulic grade line of the water in the discharge pipe.
Discharge Head[ft] = Discharge Pressure [psi](2.31 psi ft/psi)
or
Discharge Head[m] = Discharge Pressure[kPa](1 m/9.8 kPa)
