Water and Wastewater Terms Beginning C

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

CSO (combined sewer overflow)

Wastewater that flows out of a combined collection system (or lift station) as a result of flows exceeding the hydraulic capacity of the system or stoppages in the pipes. CSOs exceeding the hydraulic capacity usually occur during periods of heavy precipitation or high levels of runoff from snow melt or other runoff sources.