Bio-Solids: Biosolids are treated sewage sludge generated at the wastewater treatment facility consisting of the solid, semi-solid material from domestic sewage.

BOD: Biochemical Oxygen Demand. The rate at which organisms use the oxygen in water and wastewater while stabilizing decomposable organic matter under aerobic conditions. In decomposition, organic matter serves as food for the bacteria and energy results from its oxidation. BOD measurements are used as a measure of the organic strength of wastes in water.

Chlorination: The application of chlorine to wastewater for the purpose of disinfection.

CBOD: Carbonaceous Biochemical Oxygen Demand a quantitative measure of the amount of dissolved oxygen required for the biological oxidation of carbon-containing compounds in a sample.

D.O.: Molecular (atmospheric) oxygen dissolved in water or wastewater. Proper D.O. level must be maintained so solids will settle properly and the plant effluent will be clear.

De-chlorination: The removal of chlorine from the effluent of a treatment facility, after the chlorine has disinfected the effluent.

Effluent: Wastewater that has been processed and treated at a wastewater treatment facility to remove a great majority of it´s pollutants.

I & I (I/I): Inflow and Infiltration. Inflow is the water discharged into the sewer system from sources other than regular, legal connections. This includes flow from yard drains and foundation drains. Infiltration is the seepage of groundwater into the sewer system. Seepage often occurs through defective or cracked pipes, pipe joints, connections or manhole walls.

Influent: Raw wastewater flowing into the treatment plant.

MGD: Million Gallons per Day

mg/L: milligrams per liter

NPDES Permit: National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System permit is the regulatory agency document issued by either a state or federal agency which is designed to control all discharges of pollutants from entering into U.S. waterways.

pH: pH is an expression of the intensity of the basic or acidic condition of a liquid.

Receiving Waters: The rivers, streams and various other waterways that receive treated effluent from treatment facilities.

S.C.A.D.A.: S.C.A.D.A. stands for Supervisory Control And Data Acquisition. It is a computer software system that is interfaced with hardware to control and monitor motors and pumps from a remote location.

Sewage Sludge: Sewage Sludge is the material generated at the wastewater treatment facility.

Suspended Solids (S.S.): Solids that either float on the surface or are suspended in water, wastewater.

Wastewater: The used water and solids from the community that flow to the treatment facility. Storm water, surface water, and groundwater infiltration also may be included in the wastewater that enters a plant. The term "sewage" usually refers to household wastes, but this term is being replaced by the term "wastewater".