Glossary of Water and Wastewater Terms
A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W Y Z5 random terms from our glossary
bypassing
The act of causing all or part of a flow to be diverted from its usual channels. In a wastewater treatment plant, overload flows should be bypassed into a holding pond for future treatment.
picoCurie (PEE-ko-KYOOR-ee)
A measure of radioactivity. One picoCurie (pCi) of radioactivity is equivalent to 0.037 nuclear disintegrations per second.
stratification (STRAT-uh-fuh-KAY-shun)
The formation of separate layers (of temperature, plant life, or animal life) in a lake or reservoir. Characteristics within each layer are similar; for instance, all water in the same layer has the same temperature. Also see thermal stratification.
endocrine effects (EN-doe-krin)
An altering of the organs in the human body responsible for secreting hormones into the bloodstream. Endocrine glands include the thyroid gland, the pancreas, and the adrenal glands.
lamping
Using reflected sunlight or a powerful light beam to inspect a sewer between two adjacent manholes. The light is directed down the pipe from one manhole. If it can be seen from the next manhole, it indicates that the line is open and straight.
