Water and Wastewater Terms Beginning S

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

septic (SEP-tick)

A condition produced by bacteria when all oxygen supplies are depleted (anaerobic conditions). If severe, deposits or sludge produce hydrogen sulfide, turn black, and give off foul odors. In addition, the water contains little or no dissolved oxygen (DO), turns black, and has a greatly increased chlorine demand.