Water and Wastewater Terms Beginning S

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siphon

Part of a wastewater collection system used to go under obstructions such as roads or tunnels. The siphon dips under the obstruction and connects to the collection system on either side. The water is pulled by suction from the downstream end. As long as no air enters the pipe to interrupt flow, atmospheric pressure on the water at the elevated (higher) end of the siphon will cause the flow to continue.