Water and Wastewater Terms Beginning D

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

disinfection (dis-in-FECT-shun)

The process designed to kill or inactivate most microorganisms in water or wastewater, including essentially all pathogenic (disease-causing) bacteria. There are several ways to disinfect, with chlorination being the most frequently used in water and wastewater treatment plants. Also see sterilization.