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
electrolytic cell (ee-LECK-tro-LIT-ick)
A device in which the chemical decomposition of material causes an electric current to flow. Also, a device in which a chemical reaction occurs as a result of the flow of electric current. Chlorine and caustic (NaOH) are made from salt (NaCl) in electrolytic cells.
fluoridation (floor-uh-DAY-shun)
The addition of a chemical to increase the concentration of fluoride ions in drinking water to a predetermined optimum limit to reduce the incidence (number) of dental caries (tooth decay) in children. Defluoridation is the removal of excess fluoride in drinking water to prevent the mottling (brown stains) of teeth.
dateometer (day-TOM-uh-ter)
A small calendar disk attached to motors and equipment to indicate the year in which the last maintenance service was performed.
osmosis (oz-MOE-sis)
The passage of a liquid from a weak solution to a more concentrated solution across a semipermeable membrane. The membrane allows the passage of the water (solvent) but not the dissolved solids (solutes). This process tends to equalize the conditions on either side of the membrane.
manhole
An opening in a wastewater collection system provided for the purpose of permitting operators or equipment to enter or leave a wastewater collection system. Sometimes called an access hole or a maintenance hole. Also see drop manhole, key manhole, and surcharged manhole.
