Glossary & Lingo
A positively charged ion in an electrolyte solution, attracted to the cathode under the influence of a difference in electrical potential. Sodium ion (Na+) is a cation.
Compounds formed by the reaction of hypochlorous acid (HOCL or aqueous chlorine) and ammonia. It is a form of secondary disinfection.
The application of chlorine (Chlorine Gas, Liquid Sodium Hypochlorite, Solid Calcium Hypochlorite) to water for the purpose of disinfection and oxidation.
A metering device that is used to add chlorine to water.
Any process or combination of processes of which the main purpose is to reduce the concentration of suspended matter in a liquid.
Also called settling basins and sedimentation basins. A large tank or basin in which water is held for a period of time during which the heavier suspended solids settle to the bottom by gravity.
A group of bacteria found in humans, plants, soil, air, and water. Not all of them are pathogenic, but are used as indicator organisms for testing water quality.
Chlorine combined with an amine (ammonia or nitrogen) or other organic compounds to form combined chlorine compounds.
The introduction into water of pathogenic micro-organisms, chemicals, toxic substances, wastes, or wastewater in a concentration that makes the water unfit for public consumption.
A centralized water treatment system, also known as conventional treatment, is a combined process of coagulation, flocculation, sedimentation (or clarification), filtration, and disinfection. It treats water in a central location and then distributes the treated water via dedicated distribution networks.
A type of shut off valve that is located at a street water main, is buried and non- accessible.
Chemical action which causes the gradual decomposition or destruction of a material, often an electrochemical reaction. Corrosion can be chemical, biological, or physical. Corrosion starts at the surface of a material and moves inward.
A connection between a drinking water system and a non-potable supply. It may lead to contamination of the water supply. For example, if a pump is moving non-potable water and the drinking water system is used to supply water for the pump seal, a cross-connection or mixing between the two water systems can occur.
A waterborne intestinal parasite that causes a disease called cryptosporidiosis in infected humans. Symptoms of the disease include diarrhea, cramps, and weight loss. Cryptosporidium contamination is found in most surface waters and some groundwaters. Commonly referred to as "crypto." Water treatment consisting of a 3-log reduction for Crypto and Giardia is required.