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 Z

5 random terms from our glossary

SMCL (secondary maximum contaminant level)

Secondary MCLs for various water quality indicators are established to protect public welfare.

anoxic (an-OX-ick)

An environment where chemically bound oxygen is present in substances, such as nitrate, but not dissolved oxygen (DO) is present.

quadrant

Any of the 4 more or less equal parts into which something can be divided by 2 real or imaginary lines that intersect each other at right angles. In television inspection of pipes, for example, the picture of the pipe can be divided into fourths (upper-left, lowerleft, upper-right, and lower-right quadrants) to identify the location of observed objects.

pipe run

(1) The length of wastewater collection pipe reaching from 1 manhole to the next. Also see barrel. (2) Any length of pipe, generally assumed to be in a straight line.

primary treatment

A wastewater treatment process that takes place in a rectangular or circular tank and allows those substances in wastewater that readily settle or float to be separated from the wastewater being treated. A septic tank is also considered primary treatment.