Glossary of Water and Wastewater Terms

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5 random terms from our glossary

outfall sewer

A pipe that receives wastewater from a collection system or from a wastewater treatment plant and carries it to a point of ultimate or final discharge in the environment. Also see outfall.

carcinogen (kar-SIN-o-jen)

Any substance that tends to produce cancer in an organism.

bar rack

A rough screening device, either vertical or inclined, with parallel bars spaced 3 inches apart, placed in a wastewater collection pipe or other waterway to catch debris. The screenings may be raked from it. Also see bar screen.

recycle

The use of water or wastewater within (internally) a facility before it is discharged to a treatment system. Also see reuse.

sewer main

A wastewater collection pipe to which building laterals are connected. Also called a collection main.