Glossary of Water and Wastewater Terms

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5 random terms from our glossary

clear well

A reservoir for the storage of filtered water of sufficient capacity to prevent the need to vary the filtration rate with variations in demand. Also used to provide chlorine contact time for disinfection.

branch sewer

A wastewater collection pipe that receives wastewater from a relatively small area and discharges into a main collection pipe serving multiple branch collection areas.

trickling filter media

Durable materials, such as plastic or rocks, that make up the body of a trickling filter.

mean cell residence time (MCRT)

See MCRT.

supernatant (soo-per-NAY-tent)

The relatively clear water layer between the sludge on the bottom and the scum on the surface of an anaerobic digester, septic tank (interceptor), or secondary clarifier. Also called clear zone.