Glossary of Water and Wastewater Terms

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5 random terms from our glossary

chloramines (KLOR-uh-means)

Compounds formed by the reaction of hypochlorous acid (or aqueous chlorine) with ammonia.

meniscus (meh-NIS-cuss)

The curved surface of a column of liquid, such as water, oil, or mercury, in a cylindrical container. Depending on the liquid and the container, the curve will form a valley (concave) or a hill (convex). 

haloacetic acid (HAA) (HAL-o-uh-SEE-tick)

A class of disinfection byproducts, formed mainly during the chlorination of water, containing natural organic matter. HAA5 is the sum of the concentrations, in milligrams per liter, of 5 haloacetic acid compounds.

sleeve

(1) A pipe fitting for joining 2 pipes of the same nominal diameter in a straight line. (2) A tube into which a pipe is inserted. (3) A device to protect a shaft at its bearing or wear points.

biosurvey

A survey of the types and numbers of organisms naturally present in the receiving waters upstream and downstream from plant effluents. Comparisons are made between the aquatic organisms upstream and those organisms downstream of the discharge.