Things nice to know - Glossary

Authorized representative - is a person who has been given power/permission to be involved in the day to day operation of a system or facility.

BOD5 - the amount of organic matter that can be biologically oxidized under controlled conditions which is completed over 5 days at 20 dc under dark conditions.

Components - is a part of something which forms a larger entity such as a collection laterals, trunk lines, sewage pumping stations, manholes, chambers and other related appurtenances are components of a wastewater collection system.

Decentralized system - are usually naturally occurring and self-regulating systems which is not part of the main system but would be operated and maintained by the central authority.

Domestic wastewater - wastewater effluent that is produced entirely by residential usage the removal and treatment before discharge or reclamation of wastewater.
Grey water - sewage containing waste such as kitchen, dishwashing and laundry waste. Grey water does not contain human body waste however may contain high levels of bacteria.

Irrigation system - is used to assist in growing of crops in dry areas or during periods of inadequate rainfall.
Laboratory - is a facility that provides controlled conditions in which scientific research, experiments may be performed.

Manufacturer - is a factory, person or organization that produces finished goods from raw materials, especially on a larger industrial scale.

Model - is a plan, pattern representation or description designed to show the main objective or workings of an object, system or concept.

Non-potable water - water that is unsafe to drink because it contains pollutants, contaminants, mineral or effective agents.

Non-potable water system - a reclaimed water collection system, reclaimed water storage device, reclaimed water distribution system or parts thereof.

Potable water - water suitable on the basis of health and aesthetic considerations for drinking and cooking

Private reclaimed water storage device - an onsite device to store and treat sewage or storm water for re-distribution as reclaimed water.

Rainwater - non potable water which was naturally occurring precipitation that is collected from external surfaces of buildings or other hard-surfaced areas not exposed to vehicular or pedestrian traffic.

Reclaimed water - non potable water which was sewage, storm water or other waste water which has been collected, treated for the use intended and made available for reuse.

Report - is a document which present specific, focused content which is often the result of a experiment, investigation or study.

Site assembled plant - is a plant that is assembled on site using various components and suppliers.

Testing organization - is an organization that must comply with appropriate standards.

Total suspended solids (TSS) - is related to the strength of sewage and is considered non-filtered residue. On average untreated domestic sewage has a TSS of 240 mg/l.

Upset - the result of sewage backing up into a sanitary sewer system or discharging over the environment resulting from a blocked sewer or other malfunctioning component such as a sewage pumping station.

Wash load - one wash cycles and two rinse cycles of a clothes washing machine.

Wastewater - used water from domestic, commercial, institutional or industrial operations carrying waste material.

Water distribution system - an assembly of pipes, fittings, valves and appurtenances that conveys water from the water service pipe or private water supply system to water supply outlets, fixtures, appliances and devices.