Glossary extracted starting with automatic seeds, with BOW for the domain env and language EN

beneficial use	Use of water directly by people or for their economic, social and environmental benefit.
riparian water right	the legal right held by an owner of land contiguous to or bordering on a natural stream or lake, to take water from the source for use on the contiguous land.
respiration	The process in which an organism uses oxygen for its life processes and gives off carbon dioxide.
hypomelanistic	An animal having less black and/or brown color than a wild-type.
bedrock	(Geology) The solid rock beneath the soil (Zone of Aeration or Zone of Saturation) and superficial rock
biological diversity	The number and kinds of organisms per unit area of volume; the composition of species in a given area at a given time.
milligrams per liter	A unit of the concentration of a constituent in water or wastewater
powdered activated carbon	Activated carbon in particle sizes predominantly smaller than 80 mesh.
polyvinyl chloride	A polymer used in plastic pipe and some plastic filter housings. Also called PVC.
dredging	Removing material (usually sediments) from wetlands or waterways, usually to make them deeper or wider.
liberated grains	During mineral processing the aim is to separate the economically important ore minerals from the associated waste, or gangue, minerals
stoplogs	Large logs or timber or steel beams placed on top of each other with their ends held in guides on each side of a channel or conduit providing a temporary closure versus a permanent bulkhead gate.
watertight	So tightly made that water cannot enter or escape.
estuary	mouth of a river, where fresh river water mixes with the seawater.
transportation	A process where the river moves, or transports materials (it's load) from one place to another.
stream channel	A long, narrow depression shaped by the concentrated flow of a stream and covered continuously or periodically by water.
sequestering agent	A chemical compound sometimes fed into water to tie up undesirable ions, keep them in solution, and eliminate or reduce the normal effects of the ions
set-out container	A box or bucket used for residential MSW that is placed outside of the dwelling for collection.
landscape diversity	The size, shape, and connectivity of different ecosystems across a large area.
anaerobic	Any process that can occur without molecular oxygen; also applicable to organisms that can survive without free oxygen.
phase	A state of matter
sewage	Wastewater derived from human communities - toilet, bathroom, laundry and kitchen waste
pitot tube	An instrument used to measure the velocity of flowing water, with the velocity head of the stream an index of velocity
eutrophication	an excess of plant nutrients from natural erosion and runoff from the land in an aquatic ecosystem supporting a large amount of aquatic life that can deplete the oxygen supply.
spawn	to deposit sperm or eggs into the water
chlorine content	Chlorine is added to water as a disinfectant to kill harmful organisms or bacteria
sediment control	The control of movement of sediment on the land, in a stream or into a reservoir by means of manmade structures; such as debris dams, wing dams, or channelization; land management techniques, or natural processes.
contact recreation	recreational activities where there is prolonged or intimate contact with water and in which there is a likelihood of ingesting water.
channel bank	The sloping land bordering a channel
freshwater	Water containing less than 1 mg/l of dissolved solids of any type.
cycloid scales	Scale resembling a circle.
enzyme	Biological catalysts; complex proteins produced by plant and animal tissues to initiate or speed up specific reactions between other chemicals without undergoing permanent structural change
primary wood-using mill	A mill that converts roundwood products into other wood products
small-particle pollution	air pollution caused by fine particles of soot (as from power plants or diesel engines)
aquic	A mostly reducing soil moisture regime nearly free of dissolved oxygen due to saturation by groundwater or its capillary fringe and occurring at periods when the soil temperature at 50 centimeters is above 5C (41F).
drainage area	of a stream at a specified location is that area, measured in a horizontal plane, enclosed by a topographic divide from which direct surface runoff from precipitation normally drains by gravity into the stream above the specified location.
rivalry	Competition for resource use resulting from the subtractability of resource consumption.
waterfall	A place where the river course is interrupted by a tall step.
thermoregulation	The act of controlling body temperature
apm	Aquatic Plant Management
molecule	The smallest physical unit of an element or compound, consisting of one or more atoms.
aquatic life use	a beneficial use designation in which the water body provides suitable habitat for survival and reproduction of desirable fish, shellfish, and other aquatic organisms.
submerged aquatic vegetation	Vegetation such as sea grasses that cannot withstand excessive drying and therefore live with their leaves at or below the water surface
logging debris	The unutilized and generally unmarketable accumulation of woody material, such as large limbs, tops, cull logs and stumps, that remain as forest residue after timber harvesting.
small stream flooding	Nuisance flooding of very small creeks and streams due to excessive rainfall over small drainage areas
hygroscopic nuclei	piece of dust or other particle around which water condenses in the atmophere
cultivar	Plant form originating from under cultivation.
capillary action	movement of water through very small spaces due to molecular forces called capillary forces.
pressure drop	A decrease in water pressure during its flow due to internal friction between molecules of water, and external friction due to irregularities or roughness in surfaces past which the water flows.
iron bacteria	Organisms which are capable of utilizing ferrous iron, either from the water or from steel pipe, in their metabolism, and precipitating ferric hydroxide in their sheaths and gelatinous deposits
drainage reuse	reuse of agricultural drainage on salt-tolerant crops.
isomer	chemical compound that has the same number, and kinds of atoms as another compound, but a different structural arrangement of the atoms.
water energy dissipation	in reference to a structure in construction design to aid in erosion control.
chezy's roughness	a coefficient in Chezy's equation that accounts for energy loss due to the friction between the channel and the water.
watershed	land area that drains to a particular stream, river or lake. Large watersheds (Colorado or Gila Rivers) contain many smaller watersheds.)
allogenic	Exogenous, caused by external factors, such as a change in a habitat or environment caused by flooding
criteria	Water quality conditions which are to be met in order to support and protect desired uses.
needle punched	A term for nonwoven materials that have been processed with reciprocating banks of needles. The needles have barbed ends that drag fibers in a direction perpendicular to the normal orientation of the fibermat. Needling greatly improves the dimensional stability and tensile strength of nonwoven fibrous webs. Felt is a material commonly formed using needling.
indicator	A material which can be used to show the endpoint of a chemical reaction, usually by a color change, or a chemical concentration by a depth or shade of color.
laminar flow	A flow in which rapid fluctuations are absent.
water deficit	A water shortage that is either natural or man-made.
lithosphere	The solid, outer portion of the earth's crust coupled to the rigid upper mantle
hydrostatic pressure	pressure exerted by or existing within a liquid at rest with respect to adjacent bodies.
topography	The physical features of a surface area including relative elevations and the position of natural and man-made features
fahrenheit	F= 9/5 C + 32
fill	(Geology) Any sediment deposited by any agent such as water so as to fill or partly fill a channel, valley, sink, or other depression.
response indicators	Organisms found in the aquatic environment that respond to the stressors of their environment.
lead service line	A service line made of lead which connects the water to the building inlet and any lead fitting connected to it.
channelization	the straightening and deepening of a stream channel to permit the water to move faster or to drain a wet area for farming.
concrete	A mixture of water, cement, sand, and pebbles
filtration	Separation process of different molecules, chemical compounds or particles
transfer function	A mathematical or graphical representation of the relationship between the input and output of a system.
karstic river	A river which originates from a karstic spring or flows in a Karstic Region.
monitoring well	(1) A well used to obtain water quality samples or measure groundwater levels
drying off	The process of reducing moisture to induce dormancy or a rest period in plants.
sediment	Particles, derived from rocks or biological materials, that have been transported by a fluid or other natural process, suspended or settled in water.
control system	An arrangement of electronic, electrical, and mechanical components that commands or directs the regulation of a canal system.
drainage basin	land area where precipitation from surrounding high points runs off into streams, rivers, lakes. Also known as a "watershed".
water column	an imaginary column extending through a water body from its floor to its surface.
flame check	Similar function as a flame arrester, except it is used in smaller diameter lines with low gas flows.
concentration process	The process of increasing the number of particles per unit volume of a solution, usually by evaporating the liquid.
sample preparation	the process that includes drying, size reduction, division, and mixing of a laboratory sample for the purpose of obtaining an unbiased analysis sample.
waste stream	White Goods
condensation	The process by which water vapor undergoes a change in state from a gas to a liquid
biota	The animals, plants, and microbes that live in a particular location orregion.
pesticide	Any substance used to kill plant or animal pests; major categories of pesticides include herbicides and insecticides.
bacterial plate count	A system used to quantify the number of bacteria in a sample of solid or liquid material by measuring the growth of bacterium into full colonies.
valued ecosystem components	vector: Species of insects and ticks that transmit pathogens from alternate hosts to people or animals.
haul distance	The distance over which wastes or landfill cover material must be transported either from a) the last pick-up point of the collection vehicles, or b) from the transfer station, to the landfill.
wetlands [california]	Wetlands are transitional lands between terrestrial and aquatic systems where the water table is usually at or near the surface or the land is often covered by shallow water during some parts of the year
suction pump	A pump for drawing up a liquid by means of suction produced by a piston drawn through a cylinder.
perennial river	A river that flows in at least parts all year round.
cloudburst	a torrential downpour of rain, which by it spottiness and relatively high intensity suggests the bursting and discharge of water from a cloud all at once.
flow meter	A device which allows for measurement of stream flow by measuring velocity in a given cross-sectional area.
subsurface	Of, relating to, or situated in an area beneath a surface, especially the surface of the earth or of a body of water.
riprap	rock or stone placed on earth surfaces for protection of the soil against the erosive action of flowing water or precipitation.
ground water hydrology	The branch of Hydrology that deals with ground water; its occurrence and movements, its replenishment and depletion, the properties of rocks that control ground water movement and storage, and the methods of investigation and utilization of ground water
contour ditch	An irrigation ditch laid out approximately on the contour, or elevation of the land.
glaciology	Collectively, the branches of science concerned with the causes and modes of ice accumulation and with ice action, on the earth's surface
metabolism	The sum of the chemical reactions occurring within a cell or a whole organism; includes the energy-releasing breakdown of molecules (catabolism) and the synthesis of new molecules (anabolism).
oxygen sag curve	A graph of the measured concentrations of Dissolved Oxygen in water samples collected (1) upstream from a significant Point Source (PS) of readily degradable organic material (pollution), (2) from the area of the discharge, and (3) from some distance downstream from the discharge, plotted by sample location
evaporation rate	The quantity of water which evaporates from a given surface per unit of time, usually expressed in inches or depth per day, month, or year.
water vapor	Water in gaseous form
synecology	autotroph: An organism that synthesizes its biochemical constituents using simple inorganic compounds and an external source of energy to drive the process
beta particle	A negatively charged particle emitted from the nucleus of an atom
anabatic wind	A wind that is created by air flowing uphill
slipway	(Nautical) A sloping surface leading down to the water, on which ships are built or repaired and then more readily moved back into the water.
glide	A section of stream that has little or no turbulence.
seepage trench	A narrow trench (about 450 mm) which may be shallow (about 300 mm) or deep (about 500 mm) in which a perforated effluent distribution pipe is laid on aggregate infill
agar-gel reaction	a precipitin type of antigen-antibody reaction in which the reactants are introduced into different regions of an agar gel and allowed to diffuse toward each other.
bactericide	Any substance or agent which kills bacteria.
decontamination	Removal of harmful substances such as noxious chemicals, harmful bacteria or other organisms, or radioactive material from exposed individuals, rooms and furnishings in buildings, or the exterior environment.
alkali	Various soluble salts, principally of sodium, potassium, magnesium, and calcium, that have the property of combining with acids to form neutral salts and may be used in chemical water treatment processes.
fanglomerate	Heterogeneous materials that were originally deposited in an Alluvial Fan but since deposition have been cemented into solid rock.
disintegration	nuclear disintegration A spontaneous nuclear transformation (radioactivity) characterized by the emission of energy and/or mass from the nucleus of an atom.
tidal power	A form of power obtained from the filling and emptying of a Bay or an Estuary that can be closed by a dam
ghg	Gases in an atmosphere that absorb and emit radiation within the thermal infrared range
recyclable	Refers to such products as paper, glass, plastic, used oil, and metals that can be reprocessed instead of being disposed of as waste.
agrichemicals	manufactured chemicals produced to perform specific plant and animal protection actions in agricultural activities
maturity	the stage in the development of a stream at which it has reached its maximum efficiency, when velocity is just sufficient to carry the sediment delivered to it by tributaries; characterized by a broad, open, flat-floored valley having a moderate gradient and gentle slope.
natural recharge	The replenishment of groundwater storage from naturally-occurring surface water supplies such as precipitation and stream flows
habitat	the native environment or specific surroundings where a plant or animal naturally grows or lives
hyporheic zone	The area under the stream channel and floodplain that contributes to the stream.
dam	a structure of earth, rock, or concrete designed to form a basin and hold water back to make a pond, lake, or reservoir.
sediment-delivery ratio	The ratio of sediment yield to gross erosion, expressed in percent.
annulus	For a well, the space between the pipe and the outer wall (casing) of the borehole, which may be a pipe also (the well casing).
head loss	The reduction on liquid pressure associated with the passage of a solution through a bed of exchange material; a measure of the resistance of a resin bed to the glow of the liquid passing through it.
sonoran desert	A desert is a place where lack of water is severely limiting to living things most of the time
quality assurance	Evaluation of quality-control data to allow quantitative determination of the quality of chemical data collected during a study
overbank flow	Water flow over the top of the bankfull channel onto the floodplain.
neutrons	Uncharged building blocks of an atom that play a part in radio-activity
covering	Spreading of a layer of other material on the top of the masses of waste in order to reduce undesired impacts on the environment
artesian pressure	The pressure under which Artesian Water in an Artesian Aquifer is subjected, generally significantly greater than atmospheric.
scientific creationists	critical load: A threshold for pollutant inputs, below which it is thought ecological damages will not be caused.
ground water system	All the components of subsurface materials that relate to water, including Aquifers (confined and unconfined), Zones of Saturation, and Water Tables.
experimental nonpoint source project	A scientific study designed primarily to document the effectiveness of specific nonpoint source pollution controls (BMPs) at reducing nonpoint source pollution
crt	Cell residence time - the amount of time in days that an average "bug" remains in the process
terracing	A series of levels on a hillside, one above the other; dikes built along the contour of sloping farm land that hold runoff and sediment to reduce erosion
incised river	A river that erodes its channel by the process of degradation to a lower base level than existed previously or is consistent with the current hydrology.
specific yield	the amount of water a unit volume of saturated permeable rock will yield when drained by gravity.
greenhouse effect	The atmosphere lets most of the sun's rays filter through to warm the surface of the earth
system head curve	A curve of system head comprising total static head and head loss in the system versus flow through the system.
warning stage	The Stage (or Gage Height) at which a general state of readiness must be maintained by concerned river interests in the event of further rises above Flood Stage (similar to a Watch)
environmental monitoring	The collection of systematic, geo-referenced observations of the environment to detect changes over time and space.
control dam	A dam or structure with gates to control the discharge from the upstream reservoir or lake.
basin yields	The amount of water which will flow from a drainage or catchment area in a given storm.
lateral moraine	a low ridgelike moraine carried on, or deposited near, the side margin of a mountain glacier.
pathogenic microorganisms	Microorganisms that can cause disease in other organisms or in humans, animals, and plants.
cephalothorax	The tagma of found in some arthropods, it is a segment comprising the head and the thorax fused together, and is distinct from the abdomen behind.
area of origins protection	State and federal laws, dating back to 1931, enacted to guarantee that the counties that contribute water to state and federal water projects will get priority for water when it is needed to match future growth
overflow rate	(1) The flow into a basin divided by its total surface area, often expressed in units of gallons per day per square foot
bed	The ion exchange or filter media in a column or other tank or operational vessel.
navigable waters	Traditionally, waters sufficiently deep and wide for navigation by all, or specific sizes of, vessels.
anhydride	A chemical compound formed from another, often an acid, by the removal of water.
fatigue	the phenomenon leading to fracture under repeated or fluctuating stresses having a maximum value less than the tensile strength (the maximum conventional stress that a material can withstand) of the material
probable maximum flood	The largest flood for which there is any reasonable expectancy in a particular climatic era.
tsunami	An ocean wave with a long period that is formed by an underwater earthquake or landslide, or volcanic eruption
regulator	A device which controls either valve upstream or downstream pressure.
health hazard	Anything which can have harmful effects on health
troposphere	the layer of atmosphere closest to the Earth, extending seven to ten miles above the surface, containing most of the clouds and moisture.
syncytium	A collection of cytoplasm that contains several nuclei.
topsoil	the top layer of soil; topsoil can grow better crops partly because it has more organic matter (humus), allowing it to hold more water than lower soil layers toxic - poisonous; harmful to living organisms transpiration - evaporation of water through the leaves of plants trihalomethanes, trichloroethylene, perchloroethylene - organic compounds which may be harmful to health at certain levels in drinking water turbidity - the state of having sediment or foreign particles suspended or stirred up in water
hemodialysis	The process of purifying a kidney patients blood by means of a dialysis membrane
drainage basin	the area of land drained by a major river system
underflow	movement of water through subsurface material.
instream flows	(1) Portion of a flood flow that is contained by the channel
peak flow	the maximum volume of water that is carried in the river over a certain period of time, expressed in cubic feet per second (cfs)
absorption	the uptake of water, other fluids, or dissolved chemicals by a cell or an organism (as tree roots absorb dissolved nutrients in soil).
floater	A Wetland plant that floats on the surface of the water.
gross production	Total production of organic matter in a given area per unit time.
potential	(1) (Hydrology and Hydraulics) Any of several scalar variables, each involving energy as a function of position or condition; of relevance here is the fluid potential of ground water
backwash	The process in which beds of filter or ion exchange media are subjected to flow opposite to the service direction to loosen the bed and to flush suspended matter (collected during the service run) to waste.
outcrop	Subsurface formations which become exposed at the surface.
continental divide	A drainage divide separating the rivers which flow toward opposite sides of a continent.
root hair	(Botany) A thin, hairlike outgrowth of an epidermal cell of a plant root that absorbs water and minerals from the surrounding soil.
bwr	Boiling Water Reactor.
poh	The reciprocal of the logarithm of the hydroxide ion concentration
secondary data	(Data Analysis) Typically, data acquired from published sources as opposed to data acquired from direct observation or measurement such as a survey
cutback irrigation	Water applied at a faster rate at the beginning of the irrigation period and then reduced or cutback to a lesser rate, usually one-half the initial rate or that amount to balance with the intake rate.
detritovores	Organisms that feed on fresh to partly decomposed dead organic matter; usually applies to detritus-feeders other than bacteria and fungi.
invasive species	plants, animals, and micro-organisms that colonize and take over the habitats of native species
environmental water	The water for wetlands, the instream flow for a major river (based on the largest fish flow specified in an entire reach of that river) or, for wild and scenic rivers, the amount of water based on unimpaired natural flow
surface irrigation	application of water by means other than spraying such that contact between the edible portion of any food crop and the irrigation water is prevented.
oxbow lake	An abandoned meander isolated from the main stream channel by deposition, and filled with water.
anderson sampler	an aerosol sampling device consisting of a series of stacked stages and collection surfaces
public hearing	A formal hearing at which the public has the opportunity to submit comments and testimony on proposed actions for the public record.
tarn	A small steep-banked mountain lake or pool, generally formed by a glaciation process.
backflow	The flow of water in a medium in a direction opposite to normal flow
stage	height of the water surface above an established datum plane, such as in a river above a predetermined point that may (or may not) be near the channel floor.
bronchitis	a lung disorder characterized by inflammation and irritation of bronchi (airways of the lower respiratory tract)
perennial stream	A watercourse that flows throughout the year or most of the year (90%), in a well defined channel
pondage	(1) The holding back of water for later release for power development above the dam of a hydroelectric plant to: (a) equalize daily or weekly fluctuations of streamflow, or (b) to permit irregular hourly use of water by the wheels to take care of fluctuations in the load demand
extinction	complete disappearance of a species because of failure to adapt to environmental change.
occluded	Taken in and retained, absorbed.
bedload	the part of channel sediment transport that is not in suspension; coarse material (e.g., gravels, cobbles and boulders) that is transported by rolling and bouncing along the channel bottom in the lower layers of stream flow.
in-channel use	See Instream Use.
mechanical dispersion	Process whereby solutes are mechanically mixed during advective transport, caused by the velocity variations at the microscopic level
cross-sectional analysis	(Statistics) Observations or characteristics of a variable analyzed without respect to variations due to time
deposition	The settlement of materials out of moving water and onto the channel bed, banks, and flood plains that occurs when the flowing water is unable to transport the sediment load.
closed-loop recycling	Reclaiming or reusing wastewater for non-potable purposes in an enclosed process.
paperboard	- Monolayer paperboard is basically thicker paper, frequently used in multilayers
downstream	In the direction of the gas flow.
water-related issue	An allocation, use, rights, or environmental problem involving water that is complicated by the disagreement of two or more parties over the cause, effect, and/or resolution of the problem.
ph	numeric value that describes the intensity of the acid or basic (alkaline) conditions of a solution
stagnation	lack of motion in water that holds pollutants in place.
biofilm	Population of various microrganisms, trapped in a layer of slime and excretion products, attached to a surface.
milldam	A dam constructed across a stream to raise the water level so that the overflow will have sufficient power to turn a mill wheel.
upflow	an upward flow.
flow	in streams and rivers, it is equal to a volume of water one foot high and one foot wide flowing a distance of one foot in one second, one cfs is equal to 7.48 gallons of water per second.
stream order	A hydrologic system of stream classification
influent	The stream of water that enters any system or treatment unit.
revegetation	the re-establishment of vegetation in disturbed areas.
discharge monitoring	activities involved with monitoring actual discharge, which is a catchall term that pertains to any pollutant introduced into the environment
back pressure	Pressure that can cause water to backflow into the water supply when a user's waste water system is at a higher pressure than the public system.
pest	An insect, rodent, nematode, fungus, weed or other form of terrestrial or aquatic plant or animal life that is injurious to health or the environment.
plateau	A plateau is a large, flat area of land that is higher than the surrounding land.
geomorphology	The geologic study of the characteristics, origin, and development of landforms.
autogenic recharge	recharge that occurs by falling directly on an aquifer's outcrop at the surface
open-cycle cooling	The practice of withdrawing surface or well water to cool the condensers of an electric power plant or other industrial equipment, followed by release of the heated water to the ocean, a river, or a lake.
alluvium	Sediment or loose material such as clay, silt, sand, gravel, and larger rocks deposited by moving water.
emergent hydrophytes	Erect, rooted, herbaceous Angiosperms that may be temporarily to permanently flooded at the base but do not tolerate prolonged inundation of the entire stem or plant
recipient	Medium into which residues are discarded, e.g., open sea, lake, watercourse or atmosphere.
infiltration	Water entering a public sewer or private drain from groundwater through defects such as poor joints and cracks in pipes and manholes.
leave strips	Generally narrow bands of forest trees that are left along streams and rivers to buffer aquatic habitats from upslope forest management activities.
evaporative cooling	Cooling of a liquid, such as water, by allowing a portion to evaporate
saltatorial	refers to a form of locomotion in which the animal hops as it moves along
boer	Boer is the Dutch word for farmer which came to denote the descendants of the proto Afrikaans-speaking pastoralists of the eastern Cape frontier in Southern Africa during the 18th century as well as those who left the Cape Colony during the 19th century to settle in the Orange Free State, Transvaal (together known as the Boer Republics) and to a lesser extent Natal
filtration	The process of passing water through a porous substance to remove solids in suspension
dri [nevada]	See Desert Research Institute (DRI) [Nevada].
routing	The detailed assignment of MSW collection vehicles and labour to collection routes such that collection efficiency is optimised.
in-situ vitrification	technology that treats contaminated soil in place at high temperatures, at 3,000 degrees Fahrenheit or more.
inflow & infiltration	I & I occurs when groundwater and stormwater enters the sanitary sewer system.
sanitary sewer	A sanitary sewer is a pipe located in a street or easement that is designed to transport wastewater away from sanitary fixtures inside your house or place of business.
sector	Part of a society or a nation's economy, i.e
inorganic chemicals	Chemical substances of mineral origin, not of basically carbon structure.
high-test hypochlorite	A dry solid, largely calcium hypochlorite, used as a disinfecting agent; has excellent stability as long as kept dry.
environmental impact statement	a document that analyzes the effects of major federal projects on the environment
solubility	the quantity of material that dissolves in a given volume of water Sump
air lock	A bubble or pocket of air or vapor, as in a pipe, that stops the normal flow of fluid through the conducting part.
rain forest	A tropical woodland that has an annual rainfall of at least 100 inches (254 centimeters) and often much more, typically restricted to certain lowland areas.
virus	The smallest form of micro-organisms capable of causing disease.
calcium carbonate treatment	The adding of limestone (calcium carbonate) to an acid lake to raise the pH.
sodium	An ion found in natural water supplies, and introduced to water in the ion exchange water softening process
interface	in hydrology, the contact zone between two fluids of different chemical or physical makeup.
water mill	A mill whose machinery is moved by water.
fen	A type of wetland that accumulates peat deposits
vertical temperature profile	A series of temperature measurements taken at various levels in the atmosphere that show the thermal structure of the atmosphere over a specific location
supply augmentation alternatives	Water management programs that increase supply, for example, Conjunctive Use, Water Banking, or water project facility expansion.
delta	Large deposit of alluvial sediment located at the mouth of a stream where it enters a body of standing water.
hydrogeology	Hydraulic aspects of site geology
downstream	In the direction of the current of a stream.
hydrology	The science of waters of the earth; water's properties, circulation, principles, and distribution.
weathering	The response of materials that were once in equilibrium within the earth's crust to new conditions at or near contact with water, air, or living matter
shale	a fine-grained sedimentary rock formed by the consolidation of clay, silt, or mud.
phenols	A group of organic compounds that in very low concentrations produce a taste and odor problem in water and which in higher concentrations are toxic to aquatic life
model	A simulation, by descriptive, statistical, or other means, of a process or project that is difficult or impossible to observe directly.
design flow	The average flow of wastewater that a treatment facility is built to process efficiently, commonly expressed in millions of gallons per day (MGD).
axial flow	Fluid flow in the same direction as the axis of symmetry of the duct, vessel, or tank.
broadcast application	an even application of a pesticide over an entire area, as opposed to treating part of the area or only individual plants in the area.
inhalation	Breathing
reconnaissance code	An aircraft weather reconnaissance code that has come to refer primarily to in-flight tropical weather observations, but actually signifies any detailed weather observation or investigation from an aircraft in flight.
landscape	A heterogeneous land area with interacting ecosystems that are repeated in similar form throughout.
bio-monitor	plant/animal used to alert scientists to a change in environment.
stage	The height of a water surface above some established reference point or Datum (not the bottom) at a given location
pest	an animal, or sometimes a plant, occurring where it is not wanted by humans (see weed)
wave	a ridge or swell moving along the surface of a large body of water and generated by the wind or gravity.
ecosystem	Groupings of various organisms interacting with each other and their environment.
colluvium	A general term used to describe loose and incoherent deposits of rock moved downslope by gravitational force in the form of soil Creep, slides, and local wash
hydrologic basin	the drainage area upstream from a given point on a stream.
windrow	A professional term to describe the action of arranging waste to be composted into long, high rows (windrows) in order to facilitate its decomposition.
subzero testing	the study of behavior of a material at temperatures below -200° C (-328° F).
upland	a general term for nonwetland; elevated land above low areas along streams or between hills; any elevated region from which rivers gather drainage.
fixture unit	An arbitrary unit assigned to different type of plumbing fixtures, and used to estimate flow rate and drain capacity requirements.
organic matter	Plant and animal residues, or substances made by living organisms
compact	An agreement, treaty, or contract
bioaccumulantion	The increase in concentration of a substance in living organisms, as they take in contaminated air, water, or food, due to slow metabolization and excretion.
equal-width increment sample	A composite sample of water collected across a section of stream with equal spacing between verticals and equal transit rates within each vertical that yields a representative sample of stream conditions.
in-line filtration	A pre-treatment method in which chemicals are mixed by the flowing water; commonly used in pressure filtration installations
flood barrier	A barrier forming a temporary dam that may be erected quickly or permanently alongside a river to protect a flood-prone area.
digestion	Biological process of degradation of organic material in the absence of oxygen and that produces carbon dioxide and methane
environmental assessment	An environmental analysis prepared pursuant to the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) that presents the first thorough examination of alternative plans to positively demonstrate that the environmental and social consequences of an applicable project or action were considered
flora	(1) A term used to describe the entire plant species of a specified region or time
joint consumption	Consumption that is non-subtractable; that is, use of a natural resource or service that does not affect the amount or quality of the resource available for other users.
phosphate	There is no MCL for phosphate
palaearctic	One of the eight ecozones into which the world is divided
permitted water right [nevada]	The right to put surface or groundwater to beneficial use that is identified by a document issued by the Nevada State Engineer prior to the filing of satisfactory proof of "perfection of application" in accordance with Nevada Revised Statutes Chapter 533
monitor	To systematically and repeatedly measure conditions in order to track changes.
grade	The individual profile and pattern that a river has developed to efficiently move the discharge and sediment delivered to it.
hydrograph	a chart that measures the amount of water flowing past a point as a function of time.
adhesives	a material capable of fastening two other materials together by means of surface attachment.
subsidence	A sinking of a large area of the earth's crust
irrigate	To water agriculture crops.
cliff	A cliff is a steep face of rock and soil.
spatial planning	Spatial planning refers to the methods used by the public sector (governmental entities) to influence the distribution of people and activities in spaces of various scales.
erosion flood plain	A flood plain that has been created by the lateral erosion and the gradual retreat of the valley walls.
micro	a prefix meaning one-millionth of a unit.
low-level drawdown	A discharge feature of a dam allowing water to be removed from the bottom of a reservoir.
estuary	A coastal water resource where fresh water from rivers mixes with salt water from the ocean.
head loss	The same as "pressure drop".
thermal pollution	varying temperatures above or below the normal condition.
tractive force	The drag on a streambed or bank caused by passing water, which tends to pull soil particles along with the streamflow.
foundation	The natural material on which the dam structure is placed.
pasteurisation	The elimination of microrganisms by heat applies for a certain period of time.
typhoon	A tropical Cyclone occurring in the region of the Philippines or China Sea.
project evaluation period	Expected useful life of a project beginning at the end of the installation of the project.
gwh	GWh
instream flows	See flows.
pond	A pond is a small body of water surrounded by land
bottom-land forest	low-lying forested wetland found along streams and rivers, usually on alluvial flood plains.
mangrove	Tropical evergreen trees and shrubs that have stilt like roots and stems, and often form dense thickets along tidal shores
purification	A general term describing the removal of water or hydrocarbon in vapor form from an air or gas steam. Differs from entrainment removal in that the dew point of a gas stream will be lowered by vapor removal. May be the same as dehydration, classification, or clarification.
analytical watershed	For planning purposes, a drainage basin subdivision used for analyzing cumulative impacts on resources.
cool pavement	a road, driveway, parking lot, sidewalk or other hard surface that has reduced absorption, retention and emittance of solar heat
milliequivalents per liter	An expression of the concentration of a material dissolved in water, calculated by dividing the concentration, in milligrams per liter, by the Equivalent Weight of the dissolved material
seining	the deposition or formation of sediment.
altithermal	(Climatology) A period of time when it was much warmer than now, approximately 7,000-4,500 years before the present time
habitat	the place or type of site where a plant or animal naturally or normally lives and grows
conductance	A rapid method of estimating the dissolvedsolids content of a water supply
overflow	(1) To flow or run over the top, brim, or banks
thermal analysis	a method for determining transformations in a metal by noting the temperatures at which thermal arrests occur
freezing point/freeze	The process of changing a liquid to a solid
ripple	(1) To form or display little undulations or waves on the surface, as disturbed water does
effective porosity	the portion of pore space in saturated permeable material where the movement of water takes place.
acidic	Containing an excess of acids, or hydrogen ions (H+) Having a pH less than 7
makeup water	Water added to the flow of water used to cool condensers in electric power plants
pore pressure	Pressure exerted by fluid in the void space of soil or rock; the interstitial (pore) movement of water that may take place through a dam, its foundation, or its abutments.
contour trenching	Development of water storage Detention or Retention Facilities along the contour by excavation and placement of soils as an embankment along the downstream side
fathom	The common unit of depth in the ocean for countries using the English system of measurement
phenols	organic compounds that are byproducts of petroleum refining; tanning; and textile, dye, and resin manufacturing
oil immersion	property of a transformer, reactor, regulator or similar apparatus whose coils are immersed in an insulating liquid that is usually, but not necessarily, oil.
conservation plan	A collection of material containing land user information requested for making decisions regarding the conservation of soil, water, and related plant and animal resources, along with necessary habitat, for all or part of an operating unit.
estuary	Somewhat enclosed coastal area at the mouth of a river where nutrient rich fresh water meets with salty ocean water.
hydrologic cycle	Often called the water cycle, it is the vertical and horizontal transport of water in all its states between the earth, the atmosphere, and the seas.
strip mining	The process of removing mineral deposits that are found close enough to the surface so that the construction of tunnels (underground mining) is not necessary
canopy	A layer of continuous foliage in a forest stand
mutualism	synecology: The study of relationships among species within communities
streamworks	The concentration of tin from naturally occurring sediments using water to separate the denser cassiterite from the less dense gangue minerals.
aquaponics	The culture of plants in water areas (which includes lakes) in contrast to cultivation of plants on land, or geoponics.
rcb	Radiation Control Branch Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services Radiation Control Branch, now the Radiation Health Branch http://chfs.ky.gov/dph/radiation.htm
levee	a natural or man-made earthen obstruction along the edge of a stream, lake, or river
cross-contamination	a condition created when a drill hole, boring, or improperly constructed well forms a pathway for fluid movement between a saturated zone which contains pollutants and a formerly separated saturated zone containing uncontaminated groundwater
mixture	Various elements, compounds or both, that are mixed.
mitigation	Measures taken to reduce adverse impacts on the environment.
cirque lake	A lake occupying a rock basin usually at the head of a valley in high mountain ranges.
secchi disc	A circular plate, generally about 10-12 in (25.4-30.5 cm) in diameter, used to measure the transparency or clarity of water by noting the greatest depth at which it can be visually detected
overburden	material covering a mineral seam or bed that must be removed before the mineral can be removed.
adhesion	the molecular attraction asserted between the surfaces of bodies in contact
stream channel	the bed of a stream and the banks of a stream, whether above or below the natural boundary and whether usually containing water or not, including all side channels.
compound	two of more elements combined; a substance having different properties than of the elements used.
willow carr	a pool, or wetland dominated by willow trees or shrubs.
btex	Benzene, toluene, ethlybenzene, xylene; commonly used to determine the amount and type of hydrocarbon contamination in a soil.
global compact	Launched by UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan in January 1999 at the Davos Economic Forum in Switzerland, the Global Compact is a partnership between United Nations agencies, NGOs and the business world
nadir	Refers to a low or the lowest point, as the lowest point of a lake or other body of water attained of a certain period of time (period of record).
chlorinator	A mechanical device specifically designed to feed chlorine gas or pellets, or solutions such as hypochlorides, into a water supply in proportion to the flow of water.
allosteric site	A region of an enzyme that is physically distinct from the active site and that can induce conformational changes, usually by binding small molecules, to affect the accessibility or efficiency of the active site.
base flood elevation	The height in relation to mean sea level (MSL) expected to be reached by the waters of the base flood at pertinent points in the floodplain of Riverine areas.
strata	Beds, layers, or zones of rocks.
bypass system	A structure in a dam that provides a route for fish to move through or around the dam without going through the turbines.
valence	the relative ability of a biological substance to react or combine; a positive number that characterizes the combining power of an element for other elements, as measured by the number of bonds to other atoms which one atom of the given element forms upon chemical combination – hydrogen is assigned valence 1, and the valence is the number of hydrogen atoms, or their equivalent, with which an atom of the given element combines.
inland freshwater wetlands	swamps, marshes, and bogs found inland beyond the coastal saltwater wetlands.
fishway	A passageway designed to enable fish to ascend a dam, cataract, or velocity barrier
blinds	Water samples containing a chemical of known concentration given a fictitious company name and slipped into the sample flow of the lab to test the impartiality of the lab staff.
potential natural water loss	The water loss during years when the annual precipitation greatly exceeds the average water loss
permeability	The ability of a medium to pass a fluid under pressure.
calm	A period or condition of freedom from storms, high winds, or rough activity of water.
odor threshold	The minimum odor of a water sample that can just be detected after successive dilutions with odorless water
boiling point	The temperature at which the vapour pressure of a liquid equals the pressure of its surface
base	a substance that turns hydoin or pH paper blue.
hydrogeology	The part of geology concerned with the functions of water in modifying the earth, especially by erosion and deposition; geology of ground water, with particular emphasis on the chemistry and movement of water.
corrugated paper	Paper or cardboard manufactured in a series of wrinkles or folds, or into alternating ridges and grooves.
channel	U shaped section of the pipe within the manhole, where sewage flows through a hand formed pipe on the bottom half of a pipe
abandonment of a dam	In a legal sense, abandonment is most precisely described as transfer of all rights, title and interest in a dam to the current property owner.Abandonment may also involve the slow but resolute erosion of rights to a dam by non-use, physical destruction, lack of maintenance or intent of same
eutrophication	cultural evolution: Adaptive evolutionary change in human society, characterized by increasing sophistication in the methods, tools, and social organizations used to exploit the environment and other species
hazardous waste	Waste generated during production or other activities by society that can pose a substantial or potential hazard to human health or the environment when improperly managed
ion exchange	a chemical reaction in which mobile hydrated ions of a solid are exchanged, equivalent for equivalent, for ions of like charge in solution
xenobiota	Biota displaced from its normal habitat; a chemical foreign to a biological system.
interim remedial measure	Action(s) that can be conducted at a site relatively quickly to reduce the risk to people's health and the environment from a well-defined hazardous waste problem
monitor	An articulated device holding a rotating nozzle with which a jet of water is regulated, used in mining and fire fighting.
mainstem survival	The proportion of anadromous fish that survive passage through the dams and reservoirs while migrating in the Columbia and Snake rivers.
snow	precipitation in the form of branched hexagonal crystals, often mixed with simple ice crystals, which fall more or less continuously from a solid cloud sheet
nitrification	The oxidation of ammonia nitrogen into nitrate through biochemical action.
spray tower scrubber	A device that sprays alkaline water into a chamber where acid gases are present to aid in the neutralizing of the gas.
cold vapor	A method to test water for the presence of mercury.
wind shear	The rate of wind speed or direction change with distance
bayesian inference	A method in which observations are used to calculate the probability that a particular hypothesis about the data is true, such as whether two genes in a network interact.
three-mile limit	The limit of the marginal sea of three miles included in the territorial waters of a state.
dryland farming	The practice of crop production without irrigation in semiarid regions usually by using moisture-conserving farming techniques
gross primary production	niche: The role of a species within its community.
valley breeze	An anabatic wind, it is formed during the day by the heating of the valley floor
adsorption	the adhesion of an extremely thin layer solid, liquid, or vapor molecules to the surface of a solid or liquid.
ravine	Another name for a narrow gorge.
canopy	The overhanging cover formed by leaves, needles, and branches of vegetation.
normal	a solution concentration of one gram equivalent per liter of solution.
flood crest	The maximum stage or elevation reached by the waters of a flood at a given location.
biomass	Any living or recently dead plant or animal material
algal growth potential	The maximum algal dry weight biomass produced in a natural water sample under laboratory conditions
endangered	An endangered species is a population of animals which is at risk of becoming extinct because it is either few in numbers, or threatened by changing environmental or predation parameters.
habitat indicator	A physical attribute of the environment measured to characterize conditions necessary to support an organism, population, or community in the absence of pollutants, e.g., salinity of estuarine waters or substrate type in streams or lakes.
sub basin	(1) A portion of a subregion or basin drained by a single stream or group of minor streams
river	A river is a large, flowing body of water that usually empties into a sea or ocean.
aquatic weeds	A common, unsightly, troublesome aquatic (water) plant, that grows in abundance or out of place
streambed erosion	The movement of material, causing a lowering or widening of a stream at a given point or along a given reach.
aquifer	Natural underground reservoirs of porous layers of sand, rock or gravel.
water level	(1) An instrument to show the level by means of the surface of water in a trough or in a U-shaped tube
adjudication	a court proceeding to determine all rights to the use of water on a particular stream system or ground water basin.
whirlpool	A rapidly rotating current of water; a Vortex
stable	Not radioactive or not easily decomposed or otherwise modified chemically.
endpoint	The point at which a process is stopped because a predetermined value of a measurable variable is reached; the endpoint of an ion exchange water softener service run is the point at which the hardness of the softener effluent increases to a predefined concentration, often 1.0 grain per gallon; the endpoint of a filter service run may be the point at which the pressure drop across the filter reaches a predetermined value; the endpoint of a titration is the point at which the titrant produces predetermined color change, pH value, or other measurable characteristic.
tertiary treatment	Advanced cleaning of wastewater that goes beyond the secondary or biological stage, removing nutrients such as phosphorus, nitrogen, and most BOD and suspended solids.
hertz	in electrical/electronic applications with alternating current, a unit of frequency where 1 Hz equals one cycle per second.
population	a collection of individuals of one species or mixed species making up the residents of a prescribed area.
sprinkler irrigation	A pressurized irrigation system where water is distributed through pipes to the field and applied through a variety of sprinkler heads or nozzles
orthophosphate	an acid or salt containing phosphorus as PO4, such as K3PO4 (potassium phosphate).
water solubility	The maximum possible concentration of a chemical compound dissolved in water.
paleontology	The study of fossils of animal and plant life that existed in remote geological times
hydrant	A discharge pipe with a valve and spout at which water may be drawn from a water main (as for fighting fires) called also fireplug; (2) Faucet.
threatened species	Any plant or animal species likely to become an "endangered" species within the foreseeable future throughout all of a significant area of its range or natural habitat; identified by the Secretary of the Interior as "threatened", in accordance with the 1973 Endangered Species Act (ESA)
blinds	water samples containing a chemical of known concentration given a fictitious company name and slipped into the sample flow of the lab to test the impartiality of the lab staff.
insectivore	Animals that eat insects for their diets.
potentiometric surface	The surface to which water in an aquifer can rise by hydrostatic pressure.
hydrologic cycle	the circulation of water from the sea, through the atmosphere, to the land, and thence back to the sea by overland and subterranean routes.
microbial growth	The multiplication of microrganisms such as bacteria, algae, diatoms, plankton, and fungi.
hydrologic cycle	The constant circulation of water from the sea, through the atmosphere, to the land, and back to the sea by over-land, underground, and atmospheric routes.
standard solution	any solution in which the concentration is known.
zooplankton	tiny aquatic animals eaten by fish.
bed load	Material in movement along a stream bottom, or, if wind is the moving agent, along the surface
halogenated compounds	Organic compounds present in the biogas and containing varying concentrations of fluorine or chlorine
newspapers	- old newspapers, special news, groundwood computer printout, coated groundwood sections, publication blanks, mixed groundwood and flyleaf shavings
film strength	property of an oil enabling it to maintain an unbroken film over lubricated surfaces under operating conditions, thus avoiding the scuffing or scoring of the bearing surfaces.
effluent	treated or untreated liquid waste material that is discharged into the environment from a structure such as a settling pond or treatment plant Environmental Impact Statement (EIS)
salina	(1) A salt marsh, spring, pond, or lake
impedance	total opposition to flow of current, measured in ohms; combined effort of resistance, inductance, and capacitance.
bankfull width	the width, at full capacity, of a channel clear up to the top of the bank on either side (the transition point between the bank and the floodplain).
nitrogen	Nitrogen gas (N2) makes up 78.1% of the Earth's air, by volume. All organisms must have nitrogen to live
sluice gate	A gate which can be raised or lowered by sliding in vertical guides.
organic	containing carbon, but possibly also containing hydrogen, oxygen, chlorine, nitrogen, and other elements.
meander	A bend in a river - usually in the middle or lower course
economic cooperation	Two or more countries working together to promote their common economic interests through joint projects and programmes, physical or otherwise.
erosion	Wearing away of rock or soil by the gradual detachment of soil or rock fragments by water, wind, ice, and other mechanical, chemical, or biological forces.
bank and channel stabilization	Implementation of structural features along a streambank to prevent or reduce bank erosion and channel degradation.
composition	the elements or compounds making up a material or produced from it by analysis.
solution	a liquid (solvent) that contains a dissolved substance (solute).
public-supply water	Water withdrawn by and delivered to a public water system regardless of the use made of the water
oxidizing agent	Any substance that is capable of removing electrons from another substance
evapotranspiration	The loss of water from a land area through evaporation from the soil and through plant transpiration.
certificate of analysis	a statement of professional opinion based upon knowledge and belief.
fatty acid	Any of large group of organic acids; many are essential for metabolism
showalter stability index	A measure of the local static stability of the atmosphere
atomic mass	the mass of an atom expressed in atomic mass units (amu); the total number of protons and neutrons in the nucleus.
buffer	A substance that reacts with hydrogen or hydroxyl ions in a solution, in order to prevent a change in pH.
vegetated swale	see rain garden.
post-bmp implementation	The period of use and/or adherence to the BMP.
upflow	A term used to indicate the direction (up) in which water or regenerant flows through an ion exchanger or filter media bed during any phase of the operating cycle
spray irrigation	Any irrigation by means of nozzles along a pipe or from perforated overhead pipes.
insulation	high-density direct burial polystyrene insulation or other material of comparable insulating value approved by the department.
interference	A change in the water level of one well caused by the pumping at another well
drops	Structures to reduce or control water velocity within an irrigation ditch or canal by lowering the water abruptly from one level to a lower level.
water cycle	natural pathway water follows as it changes between liquid, solid, and gaseous states; biogeochemical cycle that moves and recycles water in various forms through the ecosphere
breakwater	A barrier that protects a harbor or shore from the full impact of waves.
produced water	As crude oil is extracted from a well, the water that comes to the surface with the oil
inflow	Water that flows into a stream, lake, reservoir, or forebay during a specified period.
constructed wetland	also referred to as engineered wetland, and similar in nature and purpose to wet ponds, are constructed to maintain a permanent pool of water for contaminant removal and usually designed to include live storage for flood control and streambank erosion protection.
direct runoff	The runoff entering stream channels most immediately after rainfall or snowmelt
in situ	In place, the original location, in the natural environment.
connate water	water trapped in the pore spaces of a sedimentary rock at the time it was deposited
volume-based fees	A fee paid to dispose of MSW at a facility such as a landfill, based on the volume of the MSW being disposed of.
permeability	The property of a material, soil or rock that permits movement of water through it.
wave cut platform	A gently sloping surface produced by wave erosion, extending far into the sea or lake from the base of the wave cut cliff.
stream gradient	A general slope or rate of change in vertical elevation per unit of horizontal distance of the water surface of a flowing stream.
nitrogen	A colorless, tasteless, odorless gas that is the most abundant constituent of dry air
equilibrium time	The point in time when flow conditions become substantially equal to those corresponding to Equilibrium Surface Discharge or Equilibrium Drawdown.
macroreticular	A term applied to ion exchange resins that have a rigid polymer porous network in which there exists a true pore structure even after drying
broad-leaved evergreen	Woody Angiosperms (trees or shrubs) with relatively wide, flat leaves that generally remain green and are usually persistent for a year or more; e.g., red mangrove (Rhizophora mangle).
outfall	The point where wastewater or drainage discharges from a sewer pipe, emptying into a receiving body of water.
asbestos	Any material containing asbestos, that, when dry, can be crumbled, pulverized or reduced to powder by hand pressure.
isotropy	That condition in which a medium has the same properties in all directions.
pathogenic bacteria	bacteria which may cause disease in the organisms by their parasitic growth.
tides	the alternate rising and failing of the ocean’s surface which occurs twice in each lunar day (24 hours).
depletion	The withdrawal of water from a ground water source at a rate greater than its rate of recharge, usually over an extended period of several years.
pump	A device which moves, compresses, or alters the pressure of a fluid, such as water or air, being conveyed through a natural or artificial channel.
dyke	An artificial embankment constructed to prevent flooding.
cycle	A series of events or steps which ultimately lead back to the starting point, such as the exhaustion-regeneration cycle of an ion exchange system; sometimes incorrectly used in reference to a single step of a complete cycle.
volatile organic compound	Synthetic organic compounds which easily vaporize and are often carcinogenic.
ice-free	(1) Free of ice and open to travel or navigation, as an ice-free channel in a river
recovery	Chemical/biological processes such as biogas (methane) generation carrying out at the landfill to recover gas (energy/heat)
streamside management zone	An area adjacent to the banks of streams and bodies of open water where extra precaution is necessary in carrying out forest practices in order to protect bank edges and water quality.
blue-green algae	A group of phytoplankton which often cause nuisance conditions in water, so called because they contain a blue pigment in addition to chlorophyll
settling basin	An enlargement in the channel of a stream to permit the settling of materials carried in suspension.
channelization	altering the alignment, width, depth, sinuosity, conveyance, or bed or bank material of a river or stream channel.
100-year 24-hour design	This design criteria is used for determining storm sewer size, and assumes 5.9" falling in 24 hours in a SCS Type II storm event.
overburden	The rock and soil in the ground above bedrock.
diversity	the total number of species that occupy an area
hydraulic transient	(1) Interim stage when a flow changes from one steady-state condition to another steady-state condition because of a sudden acceleration or deceleration of flow
nimbus clouds	A rain-producing cloud; storm clouds that are usually dark in color
surplus electricity	Electricity produced by cogeneration equipment in excess of the needs of an associated factory or business.
inland wetland	wetlands that are not affected by tides; the type of water can be fresh water or salt water; they are: island marshes, wet meadows, forested wetlands, and shrub wetlands.
group	Term used to describe two or more continguous or associated geological formations.
ion	An atom in a solution that is charged, either positively (cations) or negatively (anions).
bolson	an extensive, flat, saucer-shaped, alluvium-floored basin or depression, almost or completely surrounded by mountains and from which drainage has no surface outlet; a term used in the desert regions of the Southwestern United States.
contiguous habitat	Habitat suitable to support the life needs of a species that is distributed continuously across the landscape.
total hardness	The sum of all hardness constituents in a water, expressed as the equivalent concentration of calcium carbonate
gas storage holder	Low-pressure gas holder or high-pressure sphere used to maintain uniform gas system pressure during periods of varying biogas production or consumption.
consent decree remediation deadlines	All construction associated with meeting the terms of the CSO Consent Decree and the First Amended Consent Decrees (FACD) must be completed by November 2007 and July 2014, respectively
national estuary program	a program established under the Clean Water Act Amendments of 1987 to conserve and manage estuaries, restore and maintain their chemical, physical, and biological integrity, and control point and nonpoint pollution sources.
escherichia coliform	One of the species of bacteria in the coliform group
oxygen demand	The quantity of oxygen utilised in the biochemical oxidation of organic matter in a specified time, at a specified temperature, and under specified conditions (measured as 5-day biochemical oxygen demand – BOD5).
closed drain	Subsurface drain, tile, or perforated pipe that receives surface water through surface inlets.
bioassessment	monitoring the aquatic environment to determine the health of a stream.
open-pit mining	The process of removing mineral deposits that are found close enough to the surface so that the construction of tunnels (underground mining) is not necessary
solvent	The liquid, such as water, in which other materials (solutes) are dissolved.
heavy metals	Metals having a specific gravity of 5.0 or greater; generally toxic in relatively low concentrations to plant and animal life and tend to accumulate in the food chain
invertebrate drift	Stream and terrestrial invertebrates that float with the current.
umbo	the inflated dorsal part of the shell; also called the beak
piezometer	A well structure or tube which allows the level of saturation within a dam to be measured.
intertropical convergence zone	An area where the Northern and Southern Hemispheric trade winds converge, usually located between 10 degrees North and South of the equator
insecticide	a pesticide used to kill or repel insects.
water table	surface of a body of unconfined groundwater at which the pressure is equal to that of the atmosphere.
land treatment	The whole range of BMPs implemented to control or reduce nonpoint source pollution.
waterfall	When a river falls off steeply, there is a waterfall.
riparian	Located on the banks of a stream or other body of water.
pharmacokinetics	The dynamic behavior of chemicals inside biological systems; it includes the processes of uptake, distribution, metabolism, and excretion.
macroinvertebrate	Invertebrates visible to the naked eye, such as insect larvae and crayfish.
habitat	the natural home of a plant or animal within an ecosystem, which provides food and shelter and other elements critical to an organism's health and survival.
tld	Thermoluminescent dosimeter A device used to measure external gamma radiation.
aquifer	A layer in the soil that is capable of transporting a significant volume of groundwater.
stubble mulching	The management of plant residues by harvesting, tilling, planting, and cultivating in such a way so as to keep protective amounts of vegetation on the soil surface.
grain	Cereal grasses.
particle size	As used in industry standards, the size of a particle suspended in water as determined by its smallest dimension, usually expressed in microns.
enterococci	a group of cocci (sphere-shaped bacteria) having its normal habitat in the intestines of man or animals.
net water yield	The available water runoff at a given location, both surface and subsurface, after the upstream uses by man's activities, use by Phreatophytes, and evaporation from upstream free water surfaces.
minority compounds	Chemical compounds present in the biogas in low concentrations, usually less than 1%, and that must be removed during the production of biomethane
transient water system	A non-community water system that does not serve 25 of the same nonresidents per day for more than six months per year.
sustainability	the long-term capacity of an ecosystem to maintain ecological processes and functions, biological diversity, and productivity.
dependable supply	That water which can be expected to be available at a time and place with the quality demanded; sometimes the amount of water available is at a stated percentage of time.
dry hydrants	A siphon buried beneath the water line that enables fire crews to draw, or "draft" water from ponds or other bodies of water located nearby
special concern	a species that is designated by COSEWIC as particularly sensitive to human activities or natural events but has not yet been designated as an Endangered or Threatened species.
ecosystem	A system formed by the interaction of a group of organisms and their environment.
environmental audit	(1) An internal investigation of company compliance with environmental regulations
confining layer	a body of impermeable or distinctly less permeable material stratigraphically adjacent to one or more aquifers that restricts the movement of water into and out of the aquifers.
bankfull channel depth	The maximum depth of a channel within a riffle segment when flowing at a bank full discharge.
denitrification	Bacterial reduction of nitrite to gaseous nitrogen under anaerobic conditions.
hibernacula	The places in which an animal hibernates or overwinters; winter quarters.
meteoric water	groundwater which originates in the atmosphere and reaches the zone of saturation by infiltration and percolation.
dimictic lake	A stratified lake or reservoir that experiences two periods of full mixing or (Fall and Spring) Overturns annually
molality	a measure of solution concentration expressed in moles of solute per 1,000 grams of solvent.
hydrocarbon	Organic compounds that are built of carbon and hydrogen atoms and are often used in petroleum industries.
dinoflagellates	Unicellular biflagellate algae with thick cellulose plates
radioactive	Having the property of releasing radiation.
ecotype	A locally adopted population of a species which has a distinctive limit of tolerance to environmental factors.
organic compounds	Chemicals that contain carbon.
persistence	The relative ability of a chemical to remain chemically stable following its release into the environment
undercurrent	a current below the upper currents or surface of a fluid body.
acre-feet	A unit commonly used for measuring the volume of water
temper brittleness	brittleness that results when certain steels are held within, or are cooled slowly through, a certain range of temperature below the transformation range
estuarine wetlands	tidal wetlands in low-wave-energy environments where the salinity of the water is greater than 0.5 part per thousand and is variable owing to evaporation and the mixing of seawater and freshwater; tidal wetlands of coastal rivers and embayments, salty tidal marshes, mangrove swamps, and tidal flats.
development	The process of improving the quality of all human lives
heterotroph	An organism that requires organic molecules as a source of energy and nutrients because it is unable to manufacture their own food using the sun's energy.
sediment accretion rate	The rate in mm per year at which sediment accumulates as a result of deposition
angstrom	a unit of length, used especially in expressing the length of light waves, equal to one ten-thousandth of a micron, or one hundredth-millionth of a centimeter (1 x 10E-8 cm).
superheated water	Liquid water heated above 100°C (212°F) under pressures greater than atmospheric.
sinks	processes or places that remove or store gases, solutes or solids in accumulating parts of the environment
plate tectonics	refers to the folding and faulting of rock and flow of molten lava involving lithospheric plates in the earth's crust and upper mantle.
silt	Slightly cohesive to noncohesive soil composed of particles that are finer than sand but coarser than clay; commonly in the range of 0.004 to 0.0625 mm, silt will crumble when rolled into a ball.
head	A measure of the pressure at a point in a water system, expressed in pounds per square inch, or in the height of a column of water which would produce the pressure
sea	(1) One of the larger bodies of salt water, less than an ocean, more or less landlocked and generally forming part of, or connecting with, an ocean or a larger sea
landscape features	The land, water, vegetation, and structures that compose the characteristic landscape.
tail water	the runoff of irrigation water from the lower end of an irrigated field.
vertebrate	Animals that have a backbone.
headwaters	The source and upper part of a stream.
toxic	Having an adverse physiological effect on humans or other desirable organisms.
plating	forming a thin, adherent layer of metal on an object
distribution coefficient	The quantity of a solute absorbed per unit weight of a solid divided by the quantity dissolved in water per unit volume of water.
dry deposition	wetland: An ecosystem that develops in wet places and is intermediate between aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems
aerobic	Oxygen-consuming organism.
oxygen-depleting waste	Organic material whose decomsition is accomplished by aerobic bacteria
canyon	walls of rock along a river, sometimes very steep
aquatic	term used to describe any organism growing in, living in, or frequenting water; some plants and animals that live in water are called aquatic species Aquifer
hardness leakage	The presence of a consistent concentration of hardness in the effluent from an ion exchange water softener, often due to high concentrations of hardness or sodium in the water being treated (see Leakage).
potential energy	The energy available in a substance because of position (e.g., water held behind a dam) or chemical composition (hydrocarbons)
continental divide [united states]	A ridge of the Rocky Mountains forming the North American watershed that separates rivers flowing in an easterly direction from those flowing in a westerly direction.
dynamic equilibrium	A condition of which the amount of recharge to an aquifer equals the amount of natural discharge.
bathometer	An instrument used to measure the depth of water.
hydrocarbons	Binary carbon and hydrogen composites
corporation cock	A stopcock screwed into the street water main to provide the house service connection.
suspended solids	small particles of solid materials in water that cause cloudiness or turbidity.
jetty	A structure extending into a sea, lake, or river to influence the current or tide, in order to protect harbors, shores, and banks.
backwater	(1) A small, generally shallow body of water attached to the main channel, with little or no current of its own
sewage	The spent water a community
flood peak	The maximum instantaneous discharge of a flood at a given location
vegetative controls	Non-Point Source (NPS) Pollution control practices that involve vegetative cover to reduce erosion and minimize loss of pollutants.
conventional sewer systems	Systems that were traditionally used to collect municipal wastewater in gravity sewers and convey it to a central primary or secondary treatment plant, before discharge on receiving surface waters.
demography	The statistical science dealing with the distribution, density, vital statistics, and other related characteristics of population
irrigated cropland	All lands being supplied water by artificial means, excluding waterfowl refuges, that are being used for the production of orchard, field, grain crops and pasture.
port	(1) A place on a waterway with facilities for loading and unloading ships; a city or town on a waterway with such facilities
bod test	A procedure that measures the rate of oxygen use under controlled conditions of time and temperature
injection well classes	Classifications of the U.S
soil erodibility	An indicator of a soil's susceptibility to raindrop impact, runoff, and other erosive processes.
fault	A fracture in rock caused by stress.
permafrost	soil or rock which remains below freezing point throughout the year, as in polar and alpine regions pH
total solids	the weight of all solids, dissolved and suspended, organic and inorganic, per unit volume of water; usually determined by the evaporation of a measured volume of water at 105oC in a pre-weighted dish.
millimicron	(archaic) See "nanometer".
broad-based dip	A surface drainage structure on a logging road specifically designed to tip water out of a dirt road while allowing vehicles to maintain normal haul speeds
insecticide	A pesticide that is used to kill insects, or to disrupt their growth or development.
remediation	recycling: The processing of discarded materials into useful products.
supplemental irrigation	When irrigation water supplies are obtained from more than one source, the source furnishing the initial supply is commonly designated the primary source, and the source(s) furnishing the additional supplies, the Supplemental Sources.
omnivorous	An omnivore is a species of animal that eats both plants and animals as its primary food source.
nitric acid	a component of acid rain; corrosive; damages buildings, vehicle surfaces, crops, forests, and aquatic life.
vadose zone	A soil or sediment zone unsaturated with water located above the water table.
lava	Molten magma released from a volcanic vent or fissure.
equilibrium drawdown	The ultimate constant drawdown for a steady rate of pumped discharge.
microhardness testing	the hardness of a material as determined by forcing an indenter such as a Vickers or Knoop indenter into the surface of the material under very light load; usually the indentations are so small that they must be measured with a microscope
nuclide	An atom specified by its atomic weight, atomic number, and energy state
sounding line	(Nautical) A line marked at intervals of fathoms and weighted at one end, used to determine the depth of water
monomictic	lakes and reservoirs that are relatively deep, do not freeze over during winter, and undergo a single stratification and mixing cycle during the year (usually in the fall).
animal unit	One mature cow weighing 454 kg or the equivalent
surface runoff	That portion of precipitation that moves over the ground toward a lower elevation and does not infiltrate the soil.
laminar flow	The form of flow of a fluid in which the flow paths are in smooth, parallel lines with essentially no mixing and no turbulence.
sprinkle	A light rainfall.
redistill	Re-treat a distillate.
negative charge	The electrical charge on an electrode or ion in solution due to the presence of an excess of electrons.
bag house	Boiler
eutrophication	The accumulation of nutrients in a waterbody that results in excessive growth of organisms and depletion of oxygen.
dialysis	the separation of a colloid from a substance in solution by allowing the solution to diffuse through a semipermeable membrane.
stormwater	Rainwater that runs off the land, usually paved or compacted surfaces in urban or suburban areas, and is often routed into drain systems in order to prevent flooding.
surface erosion	The detachment and transport of soil particles by wind, water, or gravity
contour-furrow irrigation	The application of irrigation water in furrows that run across the slope with a forward grade in the furrows.
autochthonous	Pertaining to substances (organic matter from plankton), materials, or organisms originating within a particular waterway or lake and remaining in that waterway.
provincially ranked	The British Columbia government maintains a ranking of species considered to be red-listed, blue-listed, and yellow-listed in the province
effectiveness	The effectiveness of a service means the extent to which the objective of the service have been me in practice
littoral	The region along the shore of a non-flowing body of water; corresponds to Riparian for a flowing body of water
ambient water quality standards	The allowable amount of materials, as a concentration of pollutants, in water
galvanic action	A form of corrosion which occurs when dissimilar metals in contact with each other and with an electrolyte causes on e of the metals to dissolve and go into solution
odor threshold	The lowest concentrations of a substance's vapor, in air, that can be smelled
mooring	a place or structure to which a vessel can be secured, usually off-shore
zeolite softening	The removal of calcium and magnesium by ion exchange using natural or synthetic zeolite
irritant	A substance that can cause irritation of the skin, eyes, or respiratory system
matric potential	The work per unit quantity of pure water that has to be done to overcome the attractive forces of water molecules and the attraction of water to solid surfaces
vernal pool	a temporary body of freshwater that is filled by spring rains and snowmelt but which dries up during the summer or fall
denitrifying bacteria	Bacteria in soil or water that are capable of anaerobic respiration, using the nitrate ion as a substitute for molecular oxygen during their metabolism
vadose water	Water occurring in the Unsaturated Zone (Vadose Zone) between the land surface and the water table.
conduit	a natural or artificial channel through which fluids may be conveyed.
contour plowing	A soil tilling technique that follows the shape of the land to minimize erosion.
density stratification	The arrangement of water masses into separate, distinct horizontal layers as a result of differences in density
calcareous	Formed of calcium carbonate or magnesium carbonate by biological deposition or inorganic precipitation in sufficient quantities to effervesce carbon dioxide visibly when treated with cold 0.1 normal hydrochloric acid
waste rock	all rock materials, except ore and tailings, that are produced as a result of mining operations Water Quality
purge	to force a gas through a water sample to liberate volatile chemicals or other gases from the water so their level can be measured.
deionization	The removal of all charged atoms or molecules from some material such as water
neutral soil	A soil in which the surface layer, at least to normal plow depth, is neither acid nor alkaline in reaction, approximately 7.0 pH.
scavenging coefficient	The exponential constant (Þ) in an Exponential Decay model for the physical removal of particulate from the air by rainfall
aec	Atomic Energy Commission Established after World War II by Congress to foster and control the peace time development of atomic science and technology. The federal agency was abolished by the Energy Reorganization Act of 1974, which assigned its functions to two new agencies: the Energy Research and Development Administration (now part of the U.S
flume	(1) A narrow gorge, usually with a stream flowing through it
acid fog	Airborne water droplets containing sulfuric acid and/or nitric acid
erosion	the wearing away of rock or soil by water, rain, waves, wind or ice; the process may be accelerated by human activities Evaporation
hydrologic soil groups	The classification of soils by their reference to the intake rate of infiltration of water, which is influenced by texture, organic matter content, stability of the soil aggregates, and soil horizon development.
climatic year	A period used in meteorological measurements
quorum-sensing pathway	A signalling pathway used by microbes to determine the abundance of related and unrelated microbes in the local environment through the exchange of specific small molecules.
vadose zone	The subsurface zone between the water table (Zone of Saturation) and the land surface where some of the spaces between the soil particles are filled with air
recreation resource	Land and water areas and their natural attributes, with or without man-made facilities, that provide opportunities for outdoor recreation.
net free area	Total surface area of passageways permitting flow through a flame arrester bank.
continuous delivery	A method of delivering water to the farm headgate from an irrigation conveyance system on a continuous basis, as opposed to a demand delivery where flows are delivered on a rotational time schedule and/or upon demand.
remediation	(Environmental) Cleanup or other methods used to remove or contain a toxic spill or hazardous materials from a Superfund site.
ripple mark	One of a series of small ridges produced especially on sand by the action of wind, a current of water, or waves.
dew point	The temperature to which air with a given quantity of water vapor must be cooled to cause condensation of the vapor in the air.
saturated zone	the area below the water table where all open spaces are filled with water under pressure equal to or greater than that of the atmosphere.
project owner	Owner of a facility, such as a methanization plant
representative sample certificate	Section IV of the Special Waste Profile form, which generators must fill out to certify that they are submitting a representative sample of a special waste stream.
salt-water barrier	A physical facility or method of operation designed to prevent the intrusion of salt water into a body of fresh water.
prevailing visibility	It is considered representative of visibility conditions at the observation station
carbon activated	Carbon powder is added to the water treatment process to absorb taste and odor, most often in the spring.
intergranular corrosion	corrosion occurring preferentially at grain boundaries, usually with slight or negligible attack on the adjacent grains
plateau	A level, elevated land area, usually between 2,000 and 6,000 feet (610-1,830 meters) in elevation.
internal costs	costs of production that are directly borne by the producer or consumer of a product
upwelling	(1) The appearance of water from the deep ocean at the surface
bathe	(1) To take a bath or go into the water for swimming or other recreation
evapotranspiration	trophic structure: The organization of productivity in an ecosystem, including the roles of autotrophs, herbivores, carnivores, and detritivores.
growth lines	darkened lines on the surface of the shell indicating periods of rest during growth
megawatt	A unit of electricity equivalent to 1000 kilowatts.
conventional economics	ecological footprint: The area of ecoscape (i.e., landscape and seascape) required to supply a human population with the necessary food, materials, energy, waste disposal, and other crucial goods and services.
diversion channel	(1) An artificial channel constructed around a town or other point of high potential flood damages to divert floodwater from the main channel to minimize flood damage
troughing system	A collection and containment system designed to collect leaks of oil that have been contaminated with PCBs.
exoenzymes	An enzyme secreted by a cell that functions outside of the cell it originated from.
licensed well driller	a person holding a valid state contractor's business license and a current well driller's certificate issued by the department.
mm3	Million cubic metres (1000 m³).
discharge	The volume of fluid passing a point per unit of time, commonly expressed in cubic feet per second, million gallons per day, gallons per minute, or seconds per minute per day.
intraspecific	Interactions within a species
nitrification	The conversion of nitrogenous matter into nitrates by nitrosamines and nitrobacter bacteria.
arctic	Of or relating to the area around the geographic North Pole, from 90° North to the Arctic Circle at approximately 66 1/2 North latitude.
lifts	Layers of loose soil wrapped in erosion control fabric used to rebuild and recontour a bank.
kinetic energy	Energy possessed by moving water.
tropopause	The boundary in the Atmosphere between the layer next to the surface of the earth (Troposphere) and the next highest layer (Stratosphere).
bed expansion	The effect produced during backwashing: the resin particles become separated and rise in the column
valley	A valley is a long trough in the landscape that has been eroded by a river or a combination of river and glacier action.
herbicide	a chemical agent that destroys or inhibits plant growth.
affordability	Ability of the community to pay for the MSWM services as proposed.
glacial drift	a general term for rock material transported by glaciers or icebergs and deposited directly on land or in the sea.
bar	Fully or partially submerged mound of sand, gravel or other unconsolidated material built on the sea-bottom in shallow water by waves and currents.
oxbow lake	A small arc-shaped lake formed when a meander is sealed off by deposition
part per million	Unit of concentration equal to one milligram per kilogram or one milligram per liter.
demand delivery	A method of irrigation water delivery whereby the project delivers water to the headgate upon farm irrigator demand; usually is associated with high head (cfs) delivery rates
confluence	Where two rivers or streams meet.
net reservoir evaporation	The difference between the total evaporation from the reservoir water surface and the Evapotranspiration from the reservoir area under pre-reservoir conditions, with identical precipitation considered for both conditions.
scenic rivers	Rivers or sections of rivers that are free of impoundments, with shoreline and watersheds still largely primitive, and shorelines largely undeveloped, but accessible in places by roads.
water-based recreation	Those activities which require water for participation such as boating, swimming, sailing and canoeing.
wildland	A non-urban, natural area which contains uncultivated land, timber, range, watershed, brush or grassland.
breakout or effluent breakout	Visible movement of septic effluent to the surface of a property
hydrotherapy	External use of water in the medical treatment of diseases
channelization	The straightening and deepening of a stream channel to permit the water to move faster or to drain a wet area for farming.
dew point	the temperature at which the condensation of a vapor begins; the term is usually applied to condensation of moisture from the water vapor in the atmosphere.
kimberlite pipe	an occurrence of kimberlite, so named because it is narrow and vertical in shape and resembles a pipe Leachate
köppen climate classification	System that uses monthly precipitation and temperature data and total annual precipitation data to classify a location's climate into one of five main categories: Tropical Moist Climates; Dry Climates; Moist Mid-latitude Climates with Mild Winters; Moist Mid-Latitude Climates with Cold Winters; and Polar Climates
primacy	Term used to denote that individual states have been delegated the authority to implement the requirements, as prescribed by the U.S
matrix	(1) Solid framework of a porous material or system
friction head	Energy required to overcome friction due to fluid movement with respect to the walls of the conduit or containing medium.
sediments	generally referring to algae.
hydraulic gradient	the direction of groundwater flow due to changes in the depth of the water table.
evapotranspiration	The processes by which plants take in water through their roots and then give it off through their leaves as a by-product of respiration.
kgalagadi	The same as Kalahari Desert - a large, arid desert area in southwestern Sub-Saharan Africa extending 900,000 km², covering much of Botswana and parts of Namibia
catalina eddy	A weak low pressure circulation that may form off the Southern California coast.
xenobiote	Any biotum displaced from its normal habitat; a chemical foreign to a biological system.
concentration	The amount of a pollutant in the air at a given location, expressed as the weight of volume of pollutant per volume of air, such as parts per billion (ppb) or micrograms per cubic metre of air (µg/m3).
ems	Environmental Management System
fry	Newly hatched or juvenile fish.
nematode	Worms with an unsegmented body; abundant in marine and freshwater habitats, soil, and as parasites of plants and animals.
positive charge	The electrical charge on an electrode or ion in solution due to the removal of electrons.
floodplain	Land built of sediment that is regularly covered with water as a result of the flooding of a adjacent stream.
marine wetland	wetlands that are exposed to waves and currents of the open ocean and to water having a salinity greater than 30 parts per thousand; present along the coastlines of the open ocean.
pool	A reach of stream that is characterized by deep low velocity water and a smooth surface.
laminates	composite metals, usually in the form of a sheet or bar, composed of two or more metal layers so bonded that the composite metal forms a structural member.
solar pond	A pool of salt water heated by the sun and used either as a direct source of heat or to provide power for an electric generator.
pressure relief	Valve which permits enough liquid or gas to escape from the vessel to prevent extreme pressure buildup within a vessel.
attenuation	The process of reduction of a compound's concentration over time
shredder	A mechanical device used to break MSW materials into smaller pieces by tearing and impact action
decrosslinkage	The degradation of an ion exchange resin structure by destruction of the crosslink polymer as the result of aggressive attack by chlorine, ozone, hydrogen peroxide, or heat
zinc	Zinc is a product of a corrosive or aggressive water that is in contact with a galvanized plumbing system
contiguous habitat	Habitat suitable to support the life needs of a species that is distributed continuously or nearly continuously across the landscape.
stratocumulus	A low-lying cloud formation occurring in extensive horizontal layers with rounded summits
permeability	the ability of a water bearing material to transmit water
millpond	A pond created by damming a stream to produce a head of water for operating a mill.
compensated hardness	A calculated value based on the hardness, the magnesium to calcium ratio, and the sodium concentration of a water
cultivation	Preparation and use of land for growing specifically agricultural crops in an organised system
water conserving irrigation system	Irrigation systems including a combination of drip irrigation, soaker hoses, bubblers, and low-trajectory spray heads for water distribution; zoning irrigation for different water-demand plant types; electronic timers with five-day programming and rain override devices, irrigation schedules for early morning watering every five to seven days; and soil moisture sensors.
soil amendment	Any material added to soil that enhances plant growth.
external cost	cost of production or consumption that must be borne by society; not by the producer.
democracy	A form of government where the population of a society or country controls the government through a process where ministers and leaders are elected through free and fair elections.
greenhouse effect	The overall warming of the earth's lower atmosphere primarily due to carbon dioxide and water vapor which permit the sun's rays to heat the earth, but then restrict some heat-energy from escaping back into space.
wet vault	an underground storage/treatment facility constructed of reinforced concrete similar in nature to a wet pond, except that, being underground, they lack some of the biological contaminant removal mechanism present in wet ponds.
livestock	Domesticated animals, that may be kept or raised in pens, houses, pastures, or on farms as part of an agricultural or farming operation, whether for commerce or private use.
turbulent flow	A flow that contains may rapid fluctuations.
erosion	The process whereby materials of the Earth's crust are loosened, dissolved, or worn away and simultaneously moved from one place to another.
open drains	Open channels or large ditches spaced throughout an irrigation project to collect surface and subsurface drainage from adjacent farm land.
sedimentation	(1) the process of depositing sediment, or the addition of soils to lakes that is part of the natural aging process; (2) the drinking water treatment process of letting heavy particles in raw water settle out into holding ponds or basins before filtration (also called “settling”); (3) the process used in both primary and secondary wastewater treatment that takes place when gravity pulls particles to the bottom of a tank (also called “settling”).
water softening	The reduction or removal of calcium and magnesium ions which are the principle cause of hardness in water.
lotic ecosystem	less-developed countries: Countries that are relatively poor and have not progressed far in terms of industrial and socioeconomic development.
cliff	Steep, vertical or overhanging rock faces
rws	The role of the Regional Water Strategie (RWS) is to promote regional integration and poverty alleviation within the SADC region
aridic	A soil moisture regime that has no moisture available for plants for more than half the cumulative time that the soil temperature at 19.7 inches (50 centimeters) is above 5C (41F) and has no period as long as 90 consecutive days when there is moisture for plants while the soil temperature at 50 centimeters is continuously above 8C (46.4F).
policy	A plan or course of action intended to influence and determine decisions, actions, and other matters.
downgradient	The direction that groundwater flows; similar to "downstream" for surface water flows.
hemisphere	half of a sphere; half of the earth
hazardous ranking system	A scoring system used to evaluate potential relative risks to public health and the environment from releases or threatened releases of hazardous materials
graben	(Geology) (1) A depressed tract bounded on at least two sides by faults and generally of considerable length as compared to its width
melting point	the temperature at which a pure metal or compound from solid to liquid; the temperature at which the liquid and the solid are in equilibrium.
crpe	(Energy and Waste Research Center) Established in 1992 by Veolia Environmental Services and Veolia Energy, CRPE brings together engineers and researchers behind a common goal: to improve waste and energy management and protect the environment.
catalyst	Materials used to increase the chemical reaction kinetics and usually with significantly lower temperature than what would be required without the implementation of this catalyst
storm drain	A pipeline or channel system that carries surface water and/or runoff to public waters, but does not feed into sewer system.
regenerant	A solution of chemical compound used to restore the capacity of an ion exchange system
estuary	A coastal body of water that is semienclosed, openly connected with the ocean, and mixes with freshwater drainage from land.
agriculture	farming, science of cultivating the soil, producing crops, and raising livestock.
reconnaissance	A preliminary inspection or survey of an area, such as a forest, range, watershed, or wildlife area, to gain general information useful for future management.
sea surface temperature	The temperature of the water's surface
chaparral	A type of vegetation characterized by low, thickly growing evergreen shrubs or bushes with flat, broad leaves and interlacing branches; the typical natural growth of many areas with a climate of cool moist winters and long dry summers, as in much of the western United States.
multiple use	Harmonious and coordinated management of the various surface and subsurface resources, without impairment of the land, that will best meet the present and future needs of the people
runoff	That part of precipitation or snowmelt that appears in streams or surface-water bodies.
phytotoxicant	A chemical that can damage or kill pants in aquatic environments.
hazardous waste	By-products of society that can pose a substantial or potential hazard to human health or the environment when improperly managed
option value	The expected value of future information from or about natural resources
hydraulic gradient	In general, the direction of groundwater flow due to changes in the depth of the water table
estrous cycle	the recurring periods of heat, or estrus, in the adult female of most mammals and the correlated changes in the reproductive tract from one period to the next.
sewerage	A system of piping, with fittings, for collecting and conveying wastewater from source to treatment, and then discharge.
ground water flow	The movement of water through openings in sediment and rock that occurs in the Zone of Saturation.
microbial growth	The activity and growth of microorganisms such as bacteria, algae, diatoms, plankton and fungi.
subsurface flow	Water which infiltrates the soil surface and moves laterally through the upper soil layers until it enters a channel.
total volatile solids	The residue for previous testing is then ignited at a temperature of 500 °C
peak use rate	The maximum periodic rate of consumptive use (Evapotranspiration) of water by plants.
fresh water analysis	water that generally contains less than 1,000 milligrams-per-liter of dissolved solids.
charpy impact strength	a pendulum-type single-blow impact test in which the specimen, usually notched (Charpy V-Notch), is supported at both ends as a simple beam and broken by a falling pendulum
flux	the rate at which heat (energy, radiation, carbon dioxide, water vapour etc) flows across unit area (e.g
fungi	a group of often microscopic organisms lacking chlorophyll (green colouring); they grow from microscopic spores
syctom	Intermunicipal waste authority for Paris and the surrounding area.
escarpment	A steep slope or long cliff that results from erosion or faulting and separates two relatively level areas of differing elevations; the topographic expression of a fault.
flood routing	The process of determining progressively downstream the timing and stage of a flood at successive points along a river
marsh	A type of wetland that does not accumulate appreciable peat deposits and is dominated by herbaceous vegetation
formula	an expression of chemical composition, using symbols and figures.
monitoring well	a well used to obtain water quality samples or measure groundwater levels.
interface	the common boundary between two substances such as water and a solid, water and a gas, or two liquids such as water and oil.
potentiometric surface	the surface to which water in an aquifer can rise by hydrostatic pressure
yield	The rate of production of cake from a dewatering device.
residual flood damages	Those flood damages which are not prevented by a flood plain management program
hygroscopic nuclei	A piece of dust or other particle around which water condenses in the atmosphere
water use	whenever water is used by an activity or organism, either in the place it is found or by withdrawing it Watershed
downstream toe of dam	The junction of the downstream face of a dam with the ground surface
littoral	the shallow-water zone (less than 2 meters deep); a subsystem of the Lacustrine System of the U.S
hydrogeology	The geology of groundwater, with particular emphasis on the chemistry and movement of water.
snowmelt rate	The rate of conversion of ice into water within a snowpack.
beak cavity	the depression or pocket on the inside of each valve leading into the beak
delivery system	A system which conveys water from a single source, such as a storage reservoir, to a number of individual points of use
interstate water	according to law, interstate waters are defined as (1) rivers, lakes and other waters that flow across or form a part of state or international boundaries; (2) waters of the Great Lakes; (3) coastal waters whose scope has been defined to include ocean waters seaward to the territorial limits and waters along the coastline (including inland streams) influenced by the tide.
climate zones	the climate of a project's location can have a significant effect on environmental design and construction (particularly in terms of heating and cooling); thus the LEED for Homes rating system awards credit to projects that include sustainable goals appropriate for the local climate.
sand filter	A treatment device or structure for removing solid or colloidal material of a type that cannot be removed by sedimentation
phenology	the relationship between the climate and biological events, such as flowering or leafing out in plants.
inorganic	Matter other than plant or animal and not containing a combination of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen, as in living things.
attrition	The process in which solids are worn down or ground down by friction often between particles of the same material
top of ravine bank	the first significant break in a ravine slope where the break occurs such that the grade beyond the break is flatter than 3:1 for a minimum distance of 15 metres measured perpendicularly from the break, and the break does not include a bench within the ravine that could be developed.
kinetic energy	the energy of a body resulting from its motion.
trophic level	Artificial classification of organisms according to feeding relationships and the transfer of food-energy
high tide	(1) The tide at its fullest extent, when the water reaches its highest level
service run	That portion of the operating cycle of a water conditioning unit in which treated water is being delivered, as opposed to the period when the unit is being backwashed, recharged, or regenerated.
altimeter setting	The pressure value to which an aircraft altimeter scale is set so that it will indicate the altitude above mean sea level of an aircraft on the ground at the location for which the value was determined.
elevation head	The potential energy in a hydraulic system, represented by the vertical distance between the hydraulic system (pipe, channel, etc.) and a reference level, and expressed in length units
buffer	land that surrounds and protects an environmentally valuable resource against adverse effects of activities on, or encroachment from, adjacent land.
quartz sleeve	Also called a quartz jacket, it is a clear, pure quartz sleeve that is installed around the high intensity ultraviolet lamp in an ultraviolet system
porosity	fine holes or spores within a metal.
gabion	A wire basket or cage that is filled with gravel and generally used to stabilize stream banks and improve degraded aquatic habitat.
isochrone	Plotted line graphically connecting all points having the same time of travel for contaminants to move through the saturated zone and reach a well.
mineralization	(1) The general process by which elements present in organic compounds are eventually converted into inorganic forms, ultimately to become available for a new cycle of plant growth
alcohol	Any class of organic compounds containing the hydroxyl group, OH
food microbiology	the study of all aspects of microbial action on food and food products, both directly and indirectly, related to the welfare of mankind.
waterer	(1) A person who obtains or supplies drinking water
moorings	The place where a ship or boat is docked (or tied up)
instream cover	The layers of vegetation, like trees, shrubs, and overhanging vegetation, that are in the stream or immediately adjacent to the wetted channel.
las	Abbreviation for "Linear Alkyl Sulfonate".
grade	the slope of road, channel, or natural ground.
fresh	(1) Not saline or salty
tidal flats	Saltwater wetlands that are characterized by mud or sand and daily tidal fluctuations.
hydrology	The scientific study of the water of the earth, its occurrence, circulation and distribution, its chemical and physical properties, and its interaction with its environment, including its relationship to living things.
henry's law	A way of calculating the solubility of a gas in a liquid, based on temperature and partial pressure, by means of constants.
blowing houses	A building in which tin was smelted with charcoal in a stone built furnace served by bellows operated by a water wheel.
weir	a notch or depression in a dam or other water barrier through which the flow of water is diverted, measured or regulated, or a barrier constructed across a stream to divert fish into a trap.
siltation	deposition of silt-sized particles.
site specification	A reference list relating to a landfill site, prepared during the project planning stage, containing information on site details, method of working, equipment required, types of MSW and other relevant items.
designed landscape	the arrangement of features on a site, including softscapes (e.g., grass, shrubs) and hardscapes (e.g., patios, fountains) but not driveways or areas under roof
copper	Copper in water is a common problem in many households
archipelago	An archipelago is a group or chain of islands clustered together in a sea or ocean.
bioaccumulation	biomass energy: The chemical potential energy of plant biomass, which can be combusted to provide thermal energy.
freezing	The change of a liquid into a solid as temperature decreases
thatch	in lawns, this is a layer of dead plant material at the roots of the grasses; a certain amount is beneficial in protecting roots from heat, cold and drought, whereas a thick layer smothers roots and blocks fertilizer and water from reaching the soil.
terminal spill	Refers to those releases made at the terminal ends of the project conveyance or reservoir system
mattress	(Environmental) A blanket of poles, brush, or other material interwoven or otherwise lashed together and weighted with rock, concrete blocks, or held in place to cover an area subject to scouring by flowing water.
cng	Compressed natural gas to be used as fuel in vehicles
water service agency	An agency organized, founded, or established to produce and distribute water directly or indirectly to customers
check dam	a small dam constructed in a ditch or similar place to decrease water velocity and promote the deposition of sediment.
langelier’s index	A calculated number used to predict whether or not a water will precipitate, be in equilibrium with, or dissolve calcium carbonate
low-water mark	The lowest level attained by a varying water surface level.
median particle size	value for which half the particles in a sample have a greater diameter and half a lesser diameter.
terrace	An abandoned floodplain that is located at a higher elevation than the current active floodplain.
total hardness	The sum of all hardness components in a water, expressed as their equivalent concentration of calcium carbonate
green waste	Residual plant waste from gardening and green space maintenance
particulate	A term used to describe visible sediment particles, used as both singular and plural.
hydrologic region	A study area, consisting of one or more planning subareas, used to analyze water use and hydrologic conditions
gate fee	Charge made by a MSWM facility operator for each tonne of waste delivered to the facility.
coliform	A group of organisms (Colon bacilli) usually found in the colons of all warm blooded animals and humans; non-pathogenic microorganisms used in testing water to indicate the presence of pathogenic bacteria
spawning habitat	fish habitat associated with the breeding of fish
water purveyor	Anyone who sells drinking water to the public, usually the owner of a Public Water Supply System (PWSS); a public utility, mutual water company, county water district, or municipality that delivers drinking water to customers.
porosity	the property of being porous, having pores; the ratio of minute channels or open spaces (pores) to the volume of solid matter.
enrichment	the addition of nitrogen, phosphorous, and carbonaceous compounds, or other nutrients into a lake or other waterway that greatly increases the growth potential for algae and other aquatic plants
kilo	A prefix used to indicate 1000 of the succeeding unit
base flows	the component of a flow regime that represents normal flow conditions between precipitation events
resuspended	Describes particles that have been remixed with the air or water from which they have settled
activated alumina	A medium made by treating aluminum ore so that it becomes porous and highly adsorptive
oxbow	a bow-shaped lake formed in an abandoned meander of a river.
residue studies	Research which examines the recalcitrance, bioavailability, toxicity, solubility, etc
mist	Liquid particles measuring 40 to 500 micrometers, are formed by condensation of vapour
ecosystems	Communities of interacting organisms and the physical environments in which they live
basarwa	Refer to hunter-gatherer peoples of southern Africa.
lough	(Irish) (1) A lake
mudflow	Flow of a well-mixed mass of rock, earth, and water that behaves like a fluid and flows down slopes with a consistency similar to that of newly mixed concrete.
waste collected	The quantity of MSW in a given time period which is collected from municipal and domestic properties and other collection points.
environmental impact assessment	An environmental analysis prepared to determine whether an action (such as a proposed development project) would significantly affect the environment and the mitigation measures to reduce the impacts to acceptable level.
floe	An ice flow
anaerobe	An organism that does not require oxygen to maintain its life processes.
rad	Radiation Absorbed Dose The rad is a basic unit of absorbed radiation dose
iron bacteria	bacteria that either utilize iron as a source of energy or cause its dissolution or deposition
project crop water requirement	The project crop water requirement is the annual amount of water required to meet the total project's crop consumptive use plus leaching requirement, and adjusted for natural precipitation (expressed in acre-feet per year).
interstitial	Referring to the Interstices or pore spaces in rock, soil, or other material subject to filling by water.
dissolved oxygen	The amount of oxygen dissolved in water at a certain time, expressed in ppm mg/L.
bank storage	the change in the amount of water stored in an aquifer resulting from a change in stage of an adjacent surface-water body.
tidewater	(1) Water that inundates land at flood tide
fold	(Geology) A bend or flexure in a layer or layers of rock.
wetland	area that is regularly wet or flooded and has a water table that stands at or above the land surface for at least part of the year, such as a bog, pond, fen, estuary, or marsh.
weir loading rate	An expression of the flow over a weir calculated by dividing the flow by the total effluent weir length
offstream use	Water withdrawn or diverted from a ground or surface-water source for use at another place
clayballs	Both small and fairly large chunks of clay rounded by wave action
caving	The collapse of a stream bank by undercutting due to wearing away of the toe or an erodible soil layer above the toe.
acid	A substance that dissolves in water with the formation of hydrogen ions, contains hydrogen which may be replaced by metals to form salt, and/or is corrosive.
pheromone	A biochemical emitted by an organism to influence the behaviour of other organisms of the same species
recharge	the action by which water is added to a rock layer either naturally or artificially
key watershed	As defined by National Forest and Bureau of Land Management District fish biologists, a watershed containing (1) habitat for potentially threatened species or stocks of anadromus salmonids or other potentially threatened fish, or (2) greater than six square miles with high-quality water and fish habitat.
irrigation lateral	A branch of a main canal conveying water to a farm ditch; sometimes used in reference to farm ditches.
quantitative research	the determination of the quantity or concentration of a specific substance or substances in a sample
ferrous metals	A term used to describe iron and its alloys, e.g., steels
ml	one million litres, or 1000 cubic metres, (1 acre foot = 1234 cubic metres)
roc	Renewables Obligation Certificate
peterson dredge	A device used to collect sediment samples for the identification of bottom-dwelling animals in lakes and streams
hydrostatic head	a measure of pressure at a given point in a liquid in terms of the vertical height of a column of the same liquid which would produce the same pressure.
relative abundance	The number of organisms of a particular kind present in a sample relative to the total number of organisms in the sample.
coldwater fish	A fish that requires relatively cool water for survival
renewable energy	A source of energy that is replaced by natural phenomena, such as firewood or the water held by a dam and used for hydroelectric purposes
terrestrial radiation	Long wave radiation that is emitted by the earth back into the atmosphere
growing season	Considered the period of the year during which the temperature of cultivated vegetation remains sufficiently high enough to allow plant growth
drainage basin	The land area drained by a river or stream.
keyway	The notch excavated into the side of a gully or stream to anchor a check dam or other structure.
sedimentary rocks	rocks resulting from the consolidation of loose sediment that has accumulated in layers.
blowdown	Trees felled at the base by high winds.
fog	(Fat, Oils, Grease) Most wastewater collection system blockages can be traced to FOG
sea level	the long-term average position of the sea surface; in this volume, it refers to the National Geodetic Vertical Datum of 1929.
open burning	Uncontrolled fires in an dump.
mollusca	the snails and similar organisms with an asymmetrical, spirally-coiled shell.
aquatic biology	Field of biological study that deals with aquatic plants and animals.
infiltration capacity	The maximum rate at which the soil, when in a given condition, can absorb falling rain or melting snow.
nitrogen fixation	The conversion of gaseous nitrogen to ammonia or nitrate.
agar	a gelatinous product extracted from certain algae and used chiefly as a gelling agent in culture media.
calcareous	formed of calcium carbonate or magnesium carbonate by biological deposition or inorganic precipitation in sufficient quantities to effervesce when treated with cold hydrochloric acid.
endangered species	Any plant or animal species threatened with extinction by man-made or natural changes throughout all or a significant area of its range; identified by the Secretary of the Interior as "endangered", in accordance with the 1973 Endangered Species Act (ESA), below
suspended sediment	Sediment suspended in a fluid by the upward components of turbulent currents, moving ice, or wind.
infrared spectroscopy	a means of recording spectral absorptions in the infrared region using pyrolysis, transmission, and surface-reflectance techniques, exposing the sample to light in the infrared range and recording the absorption pattern yield in a "fingerprint" of the material.
phosphorous	a plant nutrient that can cause an overabundance of bacteria and algae when high amounts are present, leading to a depletion of oxygen and fish kills
soil creep	The slow mass movement of soil materials down slopes primarily under the influence of gravity, but facilitated by saturation with water and/or by alternating freezing and thawing.
nonthreshold pollutant	substance or condition harmful to a particular organism at any level or concentration.
dystrophic lakes	Acidic bodies of water that contain many plants but few fish, due to the presence of great amounts of organic matter.
molecule	The simplest combination of atoms that will form a specific chemical compound; the smallest particle of a substance which will still retain the essential composition and properties of that substance, and which can be broken down only into atoms and simpler substances.
bend test	a test for determining relative ductility of metal that is to be formed (usually sheet, strip, plate or wire) and for determining soundness and toughness of metal (after welding, for example)
percolating waters	waters passing through the ground beneath the Earth's surface without a definite channel.
reduced tillage	a soil management system in which tillage is avoided as much as possible
nap	The fuzzy, fibrous surface of a cloth produced by scratching the surface so that some fiber is raised from the body of the yarn.
ecology	The study of interrelationships of living organisms to one another and to their surroundings.
pebble	A small stone, especially one worn smooth by erosion
rearing habitat	Areas in rivers or streams where juvenile fish find food and shelter to live and grow.
tide gate	A swinging gate on the outside of a drainage conduit from a diked field that excludes water at high tide and permits drainage at low tide.
frontogenesis	The birth or creation of a front
fish ladder	(1) A series of small pools arranged in an ascending fashion to allow the migration of fish upstream past construction obstacles, such as dams
carbon dioxide	Water with a low pH value usually contains free carbon dioxide
streamflow	General term for water flowing in a stream or river channel.
decomposer	Any of various organisms (as many bacteria and fungi) that feed on and break down organic substances (such as dead plants and animals).
reinforcement	strengthening concrete, plaster or mortar by embedding steel rods or wire mesh in it; a strong inert material bonded to a plastic to enhance its strength, stiffness and resistance to impact.
watershed	A watershed, also known as drainage area or catchment, is the specific land area that drains water into a lake, river or other body of water.
mclg	Maximum Contaminant Level Goal
flood capacity	The flow carried by a stream or floodway at bankfull water level
lacustrine wetlands	wetlands within a lake or reservoir greater than 20 acres or within a lake or reservoir less than 20 acres if the water is greater than 2 meters deep in the deepest part of the basin; ocean-derived salinity is less than 0.5 part per thousand.
tidal energy	The mechanical energy associated with the rising and falling of water level during the movement of the tides
riparian	Land bordering a river, lake or stream.
maelstrom	A whirlpool of extraordinary size or violence.
aphelion	The point on the earth's orbit that is farthest from the sun
reforestation	The planting of trees on land from which the forest has been removed.
thermal pollution	Discharge of heated water from industrial processes in receiving surface water, causing death or injury of aquatic organisms.
bacteria	Unicellular micro-organisms which typically reproduce by cell division
abrasion	Abrasion is a form of erosion caused by rubbing of fine particles against an object
palustrine	Pertaining to a Marsh or Wetlands; wet or marsh habitats.
formation	A mappable unit of consolidated or unconsolidated geologic material of a characteristic lithology or assemblage of lithologies
forebay reservoir	A reservoir used to regulate the flow of water to a hydroelectric plant; it may also serve other purposes such as recreation
ducts	Tubes used to pass gases from one process to the next
disinfection	A process in which pathogenic (disease-producing) bacteria are killed; may involve disinfecting agents such as chlorine, or physical processes such as heating.
oxbow lake	a U-shaped water body formed when a meander bend is cut off from the mainstem of a river or stream to create a lake.
propagate	human supervised plant or animal breeding
conductivity	a measure of the quantity of electricity transferred across a unit are per unit potential gradient per unit time; reciprocal or resistivity.
diffused air aeration	A diffused air activated sludge plant takes air, compresses it, and then discharges the air below the water surface of the aerator through some type of air diffusion device.
mwmo	Mississippi Watershed Management Organization
closed combustion	a design for furnaces and water heaters in which the supply air is ducted from the outside and exhaust gases are ducted to the outdoors
channeled	Having one or more longitudinal grooves.
fungus	often associated with pulpmill effluent and wood preservatives.
grit chamber	Tank in which the flow of wastewater is slowed, allowing heavy solid materials such as pebbles, sand, coffee grounds and eggshells to sink to the bottom.
oxidant	A chemical substance capable of promoting oxidation, for example O2, O3, Cl2.
low water	(1) The lowest level of water in a body of water, such as a river, lake, or reservoir
freehold tenure	land owned privately (see also leasehold land)
weeper	A hole or pipe in a wall to allow water to run off.
exotic species	Plants or animals not native to the area.
pre-bmp implementation	The period prior to the use of a BMP.
direct runoff	the runoff entering stream channels promptly after rainfall or snowmelt.
b-horizon	The lower soil zone which is enriched by the deposition or precipitation of material from the overlying zone, or A-Horizon
bail	To remove water, as from the bottom of a boat or other vessel.
cismontane	In California and Baja California, the region between the Pacific coast and the ridge of the mountains
hydrograph	A curve showing stream discharge over time.
meteoric water	Ground water derived primarily from precipitation and the atmosphere.
minimal flood hazard areas	Areas between the 100-year and the 500-year flood boundaries are termed Moderate Flood Hazard Areas
point-of-use treatment device	(Water Quality) An approach to the management of the quality of drinking water that locates a water treatment device at the faucet in an individual household
asthma	a respiratory disease characterized by the narrowing of the respiratory pathways and the excess production of mucus, shortness of breath, difficulty in breathing and coughing
traveling grate	A type of furnace in which assembled links of grates are joined together in a perpetual belt arrangement
sacramento model	(Hydrology) A dynamic River Flow Model or Water Budget Model, run on a computer at various intervals, which accounts for all water entering, stored in, and leaving a Drainage Basin
embankment	An artificial deposit of material that is raised above the natural surface of the land and used to contain, divert, or store water, support roads or railways, or for other similar purposes.
hardpan	A hard impervious layer composed chiefly of clay or organic materials cemented by relatively insoluble materials, which does not become plastic when wet, and definitely limits the downward movement of water and roots.
unclassified waters	those waters for which no classification has been assigned and which have not been identified in Appendix A of 31 Texas Administrative Code, Chapter 307.10 of Title 31 (relating to definitions).
two-component system	The dominant architecture of environmental signal transduction systems in bacteria
population momentum	The tendency for population growth to continue beyond the time that replacement-level fertility has been achieved because of a relatively high concentration of people in the childbearing years
gas utilization	Biogas may be burned as fuel by engine generators to produce electrical power for the plant
boolean function	A special class of transfer function that takes binary values as inputs, performs a logical operation and yields binary values as outputs.
bacteria	one-celled micro-organisms, some of which cause diseases in plants, insects or other animals
organic soil improver	A stable, dry product with high agricultural value
capital	The money or wealth needed to produce goods and services
oceanography	The science relating to the study of the ocean.
barge stabilizing spud	a device, or leg, which is lowered from the barge and pushed into the waterway floor to anchor the barge in place.
validation	comparison of computer model results with a set of data that were not used for calibration.
scenic rivers	Rivers or sections of rivers that are free of impoundments, with shorelines or watersheds still largely primitive, and shorelines largely undeveloped but accessible in places by roads.
inclined staff gage	A gage which is placed on the slope of a stream bank and graduated so that the scale reads directly in a vertical depth.
streamflow	the discharge of water in a natural channel.
chlorine demand	A measure of the amount of chlorine which will be consumed by organic matter and other oxidizable substances in a water before a chlorine residual will be found; the difference between the total chlorine fed and the chlorine residual.
ferrite	a solid solution of one or more elements in body-centered cubic iron
clarity	The transparency of a water column
cation	a positively charged atom or group of atoms, or a radical which moves to the negative pole (cathode) during electrolysis.
riparian	the land and habitat, plants and animals adjoining a stream or river.
asme	Abbreviation for American Society of Mechanical Engineers.
irrigation structure	Any structure or device necessary for the proper conveyance, control, measurement, or application of irrigation water.
canopy cover	Vegetation projecting over a stream, including crown cover (generally more than 3 ft above the water surface) and overhang cover (less than 3 ft above the water surface).
pumped storage plant	A hydroelectric power plant which generates electric energy for peak load use by utilizing water pumped into a storage reservoir during off-peak periods.
paralytic shellfish poisoning	A pathological condition in humans caused by the consumption of certain marine mussels or clams that have fed on planktonic dinoflagellates belonging to the genus Gonyaulax
gel time	the period of time from the initial mixing of reactants of a liquid material composition to the point in time when gelation occurs, as defined by a specific test method.
kw	kilowatt
pelt	The hide or skin of an animal.
pumped storage project	A hydroelectric power plant and reservoir system using an arrangement whereby water released for generating energy during peak load periods is stored and pumped back into the upper reservoir, usually during periods of reduced power demand.
aphotic zone	The zone in which most photosynthetic algae can not survive due to light deficiency.
plateau	A high area with a flat top that may have deep canyons.
race	Subspecies.
subpolar	The region bordering the polar region, between 50° and 70° North and South latitude
gis	Computer-based system for capturing, storing, checking, integrating, analysing and displaying geographic data.
infiltration	the entrance or flow of water into the soil, sediment or rocks of the Earth's surface inorganic - chemicals not containing the element carbon interest - payments made to an investor for the use of borrowed money intrusion - the entrance of an unwanted element, such as saltwater, into freshwater supplies inundation - covering over or flooding, such as flood waters covering a valley irrigation - supplying water to agriculture by artificial means, such as pumping water onto crops in an area where rainfall is insufficient
stream bed	the bed of a stream and the banks of a stream, whether above or below the natural boundary and whether usually containing water or not, including all side channels.
return flow	The portion of withdrawn water not consumed by evapotranspiration or system losses that returns to its source or to another body of water.
surface water	an open body of water such as a lake, river, or stream.
mesic	Refers to environmental conditions that have medium moisture supplies as compared to wet conditions (Hydric) or dry conditions (Xeric).
windthrow	a tree or trees uprooted or broken off by the wind
energy crops	Agricultural crops for energy production or biofuel
vivarium	An enclosure for raising animals that replicate their natural environment.
dryland cropping	cropping without irrigation, usually in areas of relatively low rainfall
minimum flow appropriation	An appropriation designed to preserve a specified minimum flow in a stream
top of bank	The break in slope between the stream bank and the surrounding upland terrain.
benthic invertebrates	animals lacking backbones that live in the substrates of aquatic systems (e.g., aquatic worms, larval flies and midges, molluscs)
arborist	a trained specialist in the care and maintenance of trees.
greenhouse gases	Gases in an atmosphere that absorb and emit radiation within the thermal infrared range
rapids	Rapids are fast-flowing stretches of water formed where the river surface breaks up into waves because rocks are near to the surface.
weir	A spill over device used to measure or control water flows.
infiltration	flow of water from the land surface into the subsurface.
hot rock reservoir	A potential source of geothermal power
kcfs-month	One kcfs-month is a flow of 1,000 cubic feet per second for one month or 0.0595 million acre-feet.
micro-organism	A minute organism, either plant or animal, invisible or barely visible to the naked eye.
privatisation	The sale of public assets to individuals or private business interests.
groundwater	The supply of fresh water found beneath the earth's surface (usually in aquifers) that is often used for supplying wells and springs.
deforestation	Removal of trees from a forested area without adequate replanting
ecological economics	conversion: See ecological conversion.
specific humidity	The ratio of the density of the water vapor to the density of the air, a mix of dry air and water vapor
thermal aging	Thermal Aging – procedure in which specimens of a selected thickness are to be oven aged at certain elevated temperatures (usually higher than the expected operating temperature, to accelerate the test), then be removed at various intervals and tested at room temperature
vadose	Of, relating to, or being water that is located in the Zone of Aeration in the earth's crust above the ground water level.
evapotranspiration	a term that includes water discharged to the atmosphere as a result of evaporation from the soil and surface-water bodies and by plant transpiration.
ecoregion	a geographic area over which the macroclimate is sufficiently uniform to permit development of similar ecosystems on sites with similar geophysical properties.
slickensides	a smooth striated polished surface produced on rock by movement along a fault.
gravel envelope	In well construction, a several-inch thickness of uniform gravel poured into the annular space between the well casing and the drilled hole
limestone	rock that consists mainly of calcium carbonate and is chiefly formed by accumulation of organic remains.
forebay	The water behind a dam
juvenile water	Water brought to the surface or added to underground supplies from magma.
river miles	Generally, miles from the mouth of a river to a specific destination or, for upstream tributaries, from the confluence with a main river to a specific destination.
mesa	A mesa is a land formation with a flat area on top and steep walls - usually occurring in dry areas.
snow ablation	The removal of snow by the force of the wind.
secondary succession	an association of plants that develops after the destruction of all or part of the original plant community.
turbidity	This is the measure of the relative cloudiness of water
milli	The prefix used with units of measure to indicate one thousandth of the unit
ocean thermal gradients	The temperature difference between deep and surface water in the oceans.
lake	An inland body of standing water deeper than a pond, an expanded part of a river, a reservoir behind a dam.
inhibitor	chemical that interferes with a chemical reaction, such as precipitation.
orifice	As used in water studies, an opening with a closed perimeter; is usually sharp edged, and of regular form in a plate, wall, or partition through which water may flow
soakage	(1) The process of soaking; the condition of being soaked
diffusion	The movement of gas molecules or aerosols into liquids, caused by a concentration gradient.
barrage	An artificial obstruction at the mouth of a tidal watercourse.
monomictic	Lakes or reservoirs which are relatively deep, do not freeze over during the winter, and undergo a single stratification and mixing cycle during the year (usually in the fall).
interstitial water	Water in the pore spaces of soil or rock.
organic matter	Substances of or derived from plant or animal matter, as opposed to inorganic matter derived from rocks and minerals
plankton	Mostly microscopic (some are barely visible to the naked eye) aquatic organisms found in the lighted upper layers of the water column
calcium magnesium	Two of the principal elements making up the earth’s crust; its compounds, when dissolved, make the water hard
obligate anaerobes	Organisms for which the presence of molecular oxygen is toxic
aerobic treatment	process by which microbes decompose complex organic compounds in the presence of oxygen and use the liberated energy for reproduction and growth
ionosphere	A complex atmospheric zone of ionized gases that extends between 50 and 400 miles (80 to 640 kilometers) above the earth's surface
ss	Sustainable Sites section
water disposal system	The complete system for removing excess water from land with minimum erosion
uniform flow	A flow in which the velocities are the same in both magnitude and direction from point to point along the conduit.
wqa	Water Quality Association
directional shear	The shear created by a rapid change in wind direction with height.
zonal index	The measure of the strength of the westerly winds of the middle latitudes
precipitate	a solid which has come out of an aqueous solution
benthic	the bottom of a river, lake, or ocean where the water meets the surface of the accumulated sediments
inorganic	Material such as sand, salt, iron, calcium salts and other mineral materials
safe yield	the annual amount of water that can be taken from a source of supply over a period of years without depleting that source beyond its ability to be replenished naturally in "wet years."
flow augmentation	The addition of water to a stream, especially to meet instream flow needs.
unmeasured sediment discharge	The difference between Total Sediment Discharge and measured Suspended-Sediment Discharge.
nitrate	Nitrates are fertilizers that may produce serious effects in adults, including miscarriage.
bore	A high, often dangerous wave caused by the surge of a flood tide upstream in a narrowing Estuary or by colliding tidal currents
virgin fiber	- Wood fiber never before used to make pulp, paper or board
analytical model	A model that provides approximate or exact solutions to simplified forms of the differential equations for water movement and solute transport
incidental take	The number of animals that are harmed or killed as a result of pesticide application.
hydrocarbon	a chemical compound containing only hydrogen and carbon; the largest source of hydrocarbons comes from petroleum crude oil.
arctic tundra	The grassland Biome characterized by permafrost (subsurface soil that remains frozen throughout the year).
water dedications	A controversial water rights policy that involves a trade-off in which a user can begin pumping groundwater in exchange for a guarantee to buy and retire a like amount of surface water in the future
alkalinity	The quantitative capacity of water to neutralize an acid; that is, the measure of how much acid can be added to a liquid without causing a significant change in pH
moraine	a mound, ridge, or other distinct accumulation of unsorted, unstratified glacial drift, predominantly till, deposited chiefly by direct action of glacier ice.
nanoplankton	Very minute plankton not readily retained in ordinary plankton nets.
nonthreshold pollutant	A substance or condition harmful to a particular organism at any level or concentration.
warm spring	A spring that brings warm water to the surface
soluble reactive phosphate	That phosphate which is detected by analysis of a sample which has been filtered through a 0.45 µm (10-6 meter) membrane filter.
saturated solution	A solution containing the maximum amount of the dissolved substance that such a solution can hold at this temperature.
saturated steam	Steam at boiling temperature for a given pressure.
flow rate	The rate, expressed in gallons or liters-per-hour, at which a fluid escapes from a hole or fissure in a tank
10-year 1-hour design	This design criteria is used for determining storm sewer size, and assumes 1.25" falling in 1 hour in a SCS Type II storm event.
gross water yield	The available water runoff, both surface and subsurface, prior to use by man's activities, use by phreatophytes, or evaporation from free water surfaces.
avulsion	(1) The sudden movement of soil from one property to another as a result of a flood or a shift in the course of a boundary stream
ambient air quality standard	federal limit for a pollutant in ambient air that serves as a target in local air quality improvement or protection programs
forebay	the water behind a dam.
closed conduit system	A conveyance system where the flow of water is confined on all boundaries (i.e., pipe systems).
conventional activated sludge	A process in which influent and recycled sludge enter at the head of the aeration tank.
dolomite	a sedimentary rock consisting chiefly of magnesium carbonate.
waste-to-energy plants	(or energy recovery facilities) Waste incineration plants that have an energy recovery system to generate electricity or supply a heating utility.
hypertrophic	An acute concentration of nutrients.
breakthrough	The first appearance in the solution flowing from an ion exchange unit of unabsorbed ions similar to those which are depleting the activity of the resin bed
cross linkage	The bonding of linear polymers into a resinous product with a material such as divenylbenzene (DVB)
demand	Maximum water use under a specified condition.
biogenic	Used to describe changes in the environment resulting from the activities of living organisms.
blowout	a small saucer or trough-shaped hollow or depression formed by wind erosion on a pre - existing dune or other sand deposit.
scour pools	A pool formed by flow directed either laterally or obliquely against a partial channel obstruction or bank.
sediment	Topsoil, sand, and minerals washed from the land into water, usually after rain or snow melt
evaporation	process in which the heat energy of the sun causes the water on the Earth’s surface to change into a vapor.
morphological	Pertaining to the overall body structure of an organism, excluding body functions.
climate change	Climate change as referred to in the observational record of climate occurs because of internal changes within the climate system or in the interaction between its components, or because of changes in external forcing either for natural reasons or because of human activities.
emergency spillway	A dam spillway built to carry runoff in excess of that carried by the principal spillway; a secondary spillway designed to operate only during exceptionally large floods
biochemical oxygen demand	a laboratory test to measure the amount of oxygen consumed by microorganisms as they decompose organic matter; the test indicates the amount of organic material in a water sample Biodegradable
viscosity	one of the physical properties of a liquid, its ability to flow
triphibian	Designed to operate on land, water, or in air.
public involvement	The process of obtaining citizen input into each stage of the development of a planning document
boiler	BTU
still water	A flat or level section of a stream where no flow or motion of the current is discernible and the water is still.
resorbtion	Some female animals can resorb fully developed eggs
toxic pollutants	Materials that cause death, disease, or birth defects in organisms that ingest or absorb them
inorganic	Containing no carbon; matter other than plant or animal.
benthos	All the plant and animals living on or closely associated with the bottom of a body of water (within or attached to the sediment of lakes, streams, and oceans)
bar	A unit of pressure
spoils	Dirt or rock that has been removed from its original location, destroying the composition of the soil in the process, as with strip-mining or dredging.
geothermal	Terrestrial heat, usually associated with water as around hot springs.
hydrogen cycle	A complete course of cation exchange operation in which the cation medium is regenerated with acid and them all cations in the water are removed by exchange with hydrogen ions.
microfluidic device	A device in which fluids are conveyed to samples in channels with diameters in the order of 1 μm; these chambers can be used to precisely and dynamically control the microenvironment to which cells are exposed.
manhole structure	Reference to and all activities relevant to manhole structures throughout the text shall also be taken to include junction boxes, inspection chambers, drop shafts, sumps, and all other auxiliary structures appurtenant to the sewerage system.
food chain	A model describing the idea that organisms are dependent upon others for food and are linked to each other by this dependence.
gallons per minute	A unit expressing rate of discharge, used in measuring well capacity
pathogenic	Capable of causing disease.
toe	(1) The downstream edge at the base of a dam
upstream blanket	An impervious layer placed on the reservoir floor upstream of a dam
key species	species that are targeted for instream flow assessment or more generally taxa of interest; may include lotic-adapted species, imperiled species, sport fishes, or other species related to study objectives.
rift	A shallow or rocky place in a stream, forming either a ford or a rapid.
stormwater	Rainwater which has run off the ground surface, roads, roofs, paved areas etc
carcinogen	A substance that can cause cancer.
gully reclamation	use of small dams of manure and straw; earth, stone,or concrete to collect silt and gradually fill in channels of eroded soil.
habitat	the place where an animal or a plant normally lives and reproduces
fault scarp	A cliff formed by a fault, usually modified by erosion unless the fault is very recent.
native plant	a plant that has evolved within a particular habitat and is not invasive within its natural range
declared underground water basin	An area of a state designated in some states by their respective State Engineers to be underlain by a ground water source having reasonably ascertainable boundaries
alluvial fan	a relatively flat to gentle sloping landform composed of predominantly coarse grained soils, shaped like an open fan or a segment of a cone, deposited by a stream where it flows from a narrow mountain valley onto a plain or broad valley or wherever the stream gradient suddenly decreases.
sensitive species	Those plant or animal species susceptible or vulnerable to activity impacts or habitat alterations
jetty	structure projecting into the sea for the purpose of mooring boats; also solid structure projecting into the sea for the purpose of protecting a navigational channel.
buys ballot's law	Describes the relationship of the horizontal wind direction to the pressure distribution
acid	A substance which releases hydrogen ions when dissolved in water
arboreal	Pertaining to animals that live primarily in trees and shrubs.
piezometer	An instrument used to measure the elevation of the water table, i.e
cascade interaction	Occurs when one group of organisms indirectly affects another group by feeding on the animals that would have eaten them.
average yearly supply	The average annual supply of a water development system over a whole hydrologic system.
freezing drizzle	Drizzle, falling as a liquid, but freezing on impact with the colder ground or other exposed surfaces
sewerage	A system of piping, with fittings, for collecting and conveying wastewater from source to treatment, and then discharge
streams	rivers, lakes and reservoirs, a land feature that can be identified by tracing a line along the highest elevations between two areas on a map, often a ridge, large drainage basins contain many smaller drainage sub-basins, (see watershed).
total dissolved solids	A quantitative measure of the residual minerals dissolved in water that remain after evaporation of a solution
recombinant bacteria	A microorganism whose genetic makeup has been altered by deliberate introduction of new genetic elements
agar	A gel-like substance containing nutrients used for growing bacteria for study.
aquatic macrophytes	Macrophytes (large plants versus microscopic) that live completely or partially in water.
aerate	To supply or charge a liquid or body of water with a gas, as to expose a body of water to the circulation of air for purification
watershed	land area from which water drains toward a common watercourse in a natural basin.
mean monthly temperature	The average of the mean monthly maximum and minimum temperatures.
entrance head	The Head required to cause flow into a conduit or other structure, including both entrance loss and Velocity Head.
amp5	The 5th Asset Management Plan since privatisation, to run from 2010 - 2015.
salmonid	a general term that collectively refers to salmon species, trout and char.
irrigate	(1) To supply (dry land) with water by means of ditches, pipes, or streams; to water artificially
rough fish	Those species of fish considered to be of either poor fighting quality when taken on tackle or of poor eating quality, such as carp, gar, suckers, etc
precautionary principle	In situations where there is a reasonable expectation of harm, the precautionary principle us used to base decision on avoiding or reducing unnecessary health or environmental risks even when scientific information is lacking.
carrying places	Land portaged in navigation of lakes and streams, and legally a part of the navigation route.
well field	(1) One or more wells producing water from a subsurface source
metabolic flux	The rate of turnover of metabolites in a metabolic pathway.
heavy water	water in which all the hydrogen atoms have been replaced by deuterium.
maintenance hole	A sewer access large enough for a person to enter to trouble-shoot service problems or perform maintenance work.
potamon zone	Stream reach at lower elevations characterized by reduced flow, higher temperature, and lower dissolved oxygen levels
inverted siphon	A closed pipeline with its end sections above the middle section, used for crossing under drainage channels, roadways, depressions, or other structures
surface runoff	Surface runoff is water flow on the land that occurs when the soil is saturated with water and the excess water (from precipitation or snowmelt) runs over the surface.
primary drinking water regulation	Applies to public water systems and specifies a contaminant level, which, in the judgement of the U.S
heat of condensation	The heat released when a vapor changes state to a liquid
initial storage	That portion of precipitation required to satisfy interception by vegetation, the wetting of the soil surface, and Depression Storage.
overdraft	That quantity of water pumped in excess of the safe yield; the act of overdrawing a water supply or aquifer in amounts greater than replenishment
correlative rights	Certain rights of land owners over a common ground water basin are coequal, or correlative, so that any one owner cannot take more than his share even if the rights of others are impaired
interface	The common boundary between two substances such as a water and a solid, water and a gas, or two liquids such as water and oil.
vibrio cholerae	cholera results from infection by Vibrio cholerae, a bacterium that reproduces quickly in drinking and bathing water that has been extensively contaminated with human feces.
vortex	A revolving mass of water which forms a Whirlpool
total chlorine	The total amount of chlorine is a solution, which includes the combined chlorine as well as the free available chlorine.
institutional waste	Material discarded by schools, hospitals, airports, non-manufacturing activities at prisons and government facilities and other similar establishments or facilities.
gaseous	in a gas-like state; not solid, not liquid - like steam
sodium cycle	the cation exchange process in which sodium on the ion exchange resin is exchanged for hardness and other ions in water
diatoma	A small genus of fresh-water diatoms typifying the family Diatomaceae
heme iron	Organically bound iron that can give water a pinkish cast
nitrification	The conversion of nitrogenous matter into Nitrates by bacteria; the process whereby ammonia in wastewater is oxidized to nitrite and then to nitrate by bacterial or chemical reactions.
furrow	A long, narrow, shallow trench made in the ground by a plow for planting and irrigation.
indian summer	A period of abnormally warm weather in mid to late autumn with clear skies and cool nights
taxonomy	The science, laws, or principles of classifying living organisms in specially named categories based on shared characteristics and natural relationships.
collector well	a well located near a surface water supply used to lower the water table and thereby induce infiltration of surface water through the bed of the water body to the well.
landslide	An acute form of erosion which occurs when a steep slope or river bank becomes unstable and a large section of the soil falls away, smothering anything its path
flash distillation	A distillation process in which hot water is introduced into a low pressure chamber causing some of the water to flash or quickly turn to steam.
vulnerability	Vulnerability is a state in which an individual or community's proximity to hazards, health issue and/or food insecurity threatens their existence or ability to function.
submerged plants	Aquatic vegetation that has roots, stems, and leaves
calcium carbonate	(CaCO3) The principal hardness and scale-causing compound in water
acre	A measure of area equal to 43,560 square feet (4,046.87 square meters)
sand	Small substrate particles, generally from 0.06 to 2 mm in diameter
field permeability	Permeability corresponding to the temperature which occurs under field conditions.
bailer	An instrument such as a long pipe with a valve at the lower end used to extract a water sample from a groundwater well
pathogen	Microscopic parasite organism that causes disease in a host
wilting point	The minimum quantity of water in a given soil necessary to maintain plant growth
clay liner	A layer of clay soil that is added to the bottom and sides of a pit designed for use as a disposal site for potentially dangerous wastes
fluvial	Migrating between main rivers and tributaries
twilight	Often called dusk, it is the evening period of waning light from the time of sunset to dark
fecal coliform	These are bacteria that are naturally abundant in the lower intestines of humans and other warm-blooded animals
reservoir	a pond, lake, tank, or basin (natural or human made) where water is collected and used for storage
macrophytic algae	Algal plants large enough either as individuals or communities to be readily visible without the aid of optical magnification.
deliquescence	The process whereby substances absorb water from the air, and eventually form solutions.
plug flow	type of flow that occurs in tanks, basins, or reactors when a slug of water moves through without ever dispersing or mixing with the rest of the water flowing through.
fresh water	water containing less than 1,000 parts per million (ppm) of dissolved solids of any type
gabion	A wire basket or cage that is filled with gravel or cobble and generally used to stabilize stream banks.
salinization	The accumulation of salts in soil to the extent that plant growth is inhibited
herbicide	a type of pesticide designed to kill plants.
incinerator	A furnace for the routine burning of waste materials using controlled flame combustion.
siphon	An automatic, hydraulically activated system that initiates gravity flow from a sump or tank when the water reaches a specified level
environmental indicators	measures of physical, chemical, biological, social, cultural or economic factors which best represent the key elements of complex ecosystems or environmental issues
nonpersistent pollutant	A substance that can cause damage to organisms when added in excessive amounts to the environment but is decomposed or degraded by natural biological communities and removed from the environment relatively quickly
policy harmonization	An agreement on the manner in which each Member State will exercise or use a particular instrument over which it retains control.
depth of runoff	The total runoff from a drainage basin divided by its area
leaching	The flushing of minerals or pollutants from the soil or other material by the percolation of applied water.
open channel system	A system of conveyance channels where the top flow boundary is a free surface (e.g., canal systems).
amf	(French securities and exchange commission) The AMF, established by the French Financial Security Act of August 1, 2003, was formed by the merger of the Commission des Opérations de Bourse (COB) and Conseil des Marchés Financiers (CMF)
osmosis	the passage of a liquid from a weak solution to a more concentrated solution across a semi-permeable membrane that allows passage of the solvent (water) but not the dissolved solids.
import	Water piped or channeled into an area.
isthmus	A narrow strip of land connecting two larger masses of land.
void area	The space between the resin beads in an ion exchange bed or the space between the particles of filter media bed
gasket	a rubber, metal or other material used to place around a joint to make the joint gas or liquid tight.
non-volatile suspended solids	The quantity of solids in a sample which is removed by filtration but not lost by ignition at 600C
deep percolation	Water that percolates below the lower limit of the Root Zone of plants into a ground water aquifer and cannot be used by plants.
risk	A measure of the chance that damage to life, health, property, or the environment will occur.
polyestrus	Having more than one estrus cycle in a year
penstock	(1) A gate or sluice used in controlling the flow of water
agricultural	Having to do with farming or farms.
bifurcate	Dividing structure which splits the flow of water.
pollutant	A contaminant at a concentration high enough to endanger the life of organisms.
dreg	The sediment in a liquid; lees
aseptic	Free from living germs of disease, fermentation or putrefaction.
soft water	Any water which contains less than 1.0 fpf (17/1 mg/1) of hardness minerals, expressed as calcium carbonate.
oxidation	The addition of oxygen, removal of hydrogen, or the removal of electrons from an element or compound.
critically endangered	Facing an extremely high risk of extinction in the wild.
physical weathering	The breaking down of parent rock into bits and pieces by exposure to temperature changes and the physical action of moving ice and water, growing roots, and human activities such as farming and construction
benzene	An aromatic hydrocarbon which is a colorless, volatile, flammable liquid
groundwater	Subsurface water and underground streams that can be collected with wells or that flow naturally to the earth's surface through springs.
exempt land	Irrigation land in a district to which the acreage limitation and pricing provisions of reclamation law do not apply
hornification	- the stiffening of fibers occurring due to wetting and drying of chemical pulps causing loss of paper strength
meander	curves in the stream channel where the stream dissipates energy.
color	The shade or tint imparted to water by substances in true solution, and thus not removed by mechanical filtration; most commonly caused by dissolved organic matter, but may be produced by dissolved mineral matter.
coral reef	a ridge of limestone, composed chiefly of coral, coral sands, and solid limestone resulting from organic secretion of calcium carbonate; occur along continents and islands where the temperature is generally above 18° C.
flood plain	a strip of relatively flat land bordering a stream channel that is overflowed at times of high water.
freeboard	The vertical distance between a bed of filter media or ion exchange material and the overflow or collector for backwash water; the height above the bed of granular media available for bed expansion during backwashing; may be expressed either as a linear distance or a percentage of bed depth.
net duty of water	The amount of water delivered to the land to produce a crop, measured at the point of delivery to the field
socioeconomics	The study of the relationship between economic activity and social life
leaching	The flushing of minerals or pollutants from soil or other material by the percolation of applied water.
geomorphology	The field of knowledge that investigates the origin of landforms on the Earth and other planets.
quantitative metallography	determination of specific characteristics of a microstructure by making quantitative measurements on micrographs or metallographic images
kelvin temperature scale	A temperature scale with the freezing point of +273°K (Kelvin) and the boiling point of +373° K
best uses	Designated uses for a water body which include aquatic life propagation and maintenance (including fishing, fish and functioning primary nursery areas), wildlife, secondary recreation, water supply (fresh waters), and shellfishing (salt waters).
upwelling	The process by which water rises from a lower to a higher depth, usually as a result of divergence and offshore currents
slope-discharge	A curve which shows the discharge at a given Gaging Station, taking into account the slope of the water surface, as well as the Gage Height
water table aquifer	an aquifer confined only by atmospheric pressure (water levels will not rise in the well above the confining bed).
fall line	imaginary line marking the boundary between the ancient, resistant crystalline rocks of the Piedmont province of the Appalachian Mountains, and the younger, softer sediments of the Atlantic Coastal Plain province in the Eastern United States
macrophyte	A macroscopic vascular plant; a multicellular aquatic plant, either free-floating or attached to a surface.
pioneer species	Plant species that dominate a community in the early stages of ecological succession.
sinkhole	a depression in an area underlain by limestone
biological diversity	the variability among living organisms of terrestrial, marine and other aquatic ecosystems and the ecological complexes of which they are a part; this includes diversity within species, between species and of ecosystems.
softened water	Any water that is treated to reduce hardness minerals to 1.0 GPG (17.1 mg/L) or less, expressed as calcium carbonate.
viable	Alive and capable of continued life.
residual	amount of a pollutant remaining in the environment after a natural or technological process has occurred.
river basin development	A program to develop the use of the water and land resources of a river basin, so coordinated as to obtain a greater efficiency of use than would be possible if the resources were developed by uncoordinated, multiple-purpose projects.
parameter	A variable, measurable property whose value is a determinant of the characteristics of a system such as water
arsenic	The MCL for arsenic is 0.01 mg/L
imperiled species	declining, rare, or uncommon species; species federally listed as threatened or endangered, or candidates for such; and species with limited distributions.
agnps	Agricultural Nonpoint Source Pollution Model.
stream reach	A continuous part of a stream between two specified points.
crest	(1) The top of a dam, dike, or spillway, which water must reach before passing over the structure; in international usage it refers to the crown of an overflow section of a dam
scrubber-low energy	Settling Chamber
microcosm	A diminutive, representative system analogous to a larger system in composition, development, or configuration
hydrologic basin	The complete drainage area upstream from a given point on a stream.
chain of lakes	A number of lakes tied together by live connecting streams or natural channels.
strip cropping	Growing crops in a systematic arrangement of strips or bands that serve as barriers to wind and water erosion.
macronutrient	A chemical element necessary in relatively large amounts (usually more than one part per million [ppm] in the plant) for the growth of plants.
mrem	The dose equivalent that is one-thousandth of a rem.
bacteria	Single-cell microorganisms occurring naturally almost everywhere
cat ice	"Ice forming a thin shell from under which the water has receded." (Navigation Dictionary USHO, Bulletin 220, 1956) The term has some application to ice on lakes.
grazer-scraper	Animals that graze the organic layer of algae, microorganisms and associated organic matter on stone and other substrates in streams; includes species which pierce plant cells and suck out the fluids.
priming	(1) The first filling or first seasonal filling of a canal, reservoir, or other structure with water
grassed waterway or outlet	A natural or constructed waterway, usually broad and shallow and covered with erosion-resistant grasses, suitable to resist potential damages resulting from runoff.
gravity irrigation	(1) Irrigation in which the water is not pumped but flows and is distributed by gravity, includes sprinkler systems when gravity furnishes the desired head (pressure)
zeolite	Naturally occurring or synthetic hydrated sodium alumina silicate with ion exchange properties
culvert	A transverse drain or waterway under a road, railroad, canal, or other obstruction.
herbicide	a chemical used to kill nuisance plants
hydraulic roughness	an estimate of the resistance to flow due to energy loss caused by friction between the channel and the water
substrate	(1) The substances used for food by microorganisms in liquid suspension, as in wastewater treatment
bed material	sediment composing the streambed.
activated carbon	A granular material usually produced by the roasting of cellulose base substances, such as wood or coconut shells, in the absence of air
mutagenic	Causing mutation, or the abrupt change in the genotype of an organism.
warm	To have or give out heat to a moderate or adequate degree
algae	a large group of primarily aquatic plants that usually contain chlorophyll but lack the true roots, stems, and leaves that are characteristic of more complex plants
total suspended particulates	Refers to the concentration of particulates in suspension in the air irrespective of the nature, source, or size of the particulates.
immiscibility	The inability of two or more solids or liquids to readily dissolve into one another.
supersaturated	An unstable condition of a solution (water) in which the solution contains a substance at a concentration greater than the saturation concentration for the substance.
varve	(Geology) (1) A layer or series of layers of sediment deposited in a body of still water in one year
back pressure	a pressure that can cause water to Backflow into the water supply when a user's waste water system is at a higher pressure than the public system.
perihelion	The point of the earth's orbit that is nearest to the sun
trophic composition	that portion of an Index of Biotic Integrity that is a metric measuring the proportion of species and proportions of omnivores, insectivores, and omnivores.
gram	(g) The basic unit of weight (mass) of the metric system, originally intended to be the weight of one cubic centimeter of water at 4oC.
aquatic ecosystem	Any body of water, such as a stream, lake, or estuary, and all organisms and nonliving components within it, functioning as a natural system.
hydrology	the science that deals with water, its properties, distribution and circulation over the Earth's surface Impoundment
toxicity	the degree of being poisonous; capability of poisonous compound to produce deleterious effects in organisms such as alteration to behavioral patterns or biological productivity or death.
hydrogen embrittlement	a condition of low ductility in metals resulting from the absorption of hydrogen.
saturation	the condition of a liquid when it has taken into solution the maximum possible quantity of a given substance at a given temperature and pressure.
pollutant	Generally, any substance introduced into the environment that adversely affects the usefulness of a resource or the health of humans, animals, or ecosystems.
detritivore	Animals that are detritus feeders, eating dead and decaying leaves and other decomposing plant and animal parts, as well as organic fecal matter.
broadleaf plants	most annual and perennial plants, shrubs and trees with wide leaves
halo	The ring of light that seems to encircle the sun or moon when veiled by cirrus clouds
load	What the river carries along with it - mud, sand, rocks, wood
deciduous	Trees and plants that shed their leaves at the end of the growing season.
dew	The droplets of water condensed from air, usually at night, onto cool surfaces.
flood plain	A region of low-lying land around a body of water, usually a river, that is flooded on an annual basis, usually annually.
sulfuric acid	(chemical formula, H2S04) the most widely used industrial chemical; a major component of acid rain that is formed by sulfur oxides combining with atmospheric moisture.
atoll	An atoll is a ring (or partial ring) of coral that forms an island in an ocean or sea
tufa	(Geology) The calcareous and siliceous rock deposits of springs, lakes, or ground water
riboswitch	A segment of an mRNA molecule that specifically binds a target molecule; riboswitches are closely related to aptamers.
lecs	Levy Exemption Certificates
channel stabilization	Erosion prevention and stabilization of velocity distribution in a channel using jetties, drops, revetments, vegetation, and other measures.
co-dominant	Two or more plant species providing about equal areal cover which in combination control the environment.
evaporation	The physical process by which a liquid, such as water is transformed into a gaseous state, such as water vapor
formation	(Geology) A body of rock or soil of considerable thickness that has characteristics making it distinguishable from adjacent geologic structures.
scouring sluice	An opening in a dam controlled by a gate through which the accumulated silt, sand, and gravel may be ejected.
vickers	an indentation hardness test employing a 136 degree diamond pyramid indenter (Vickers) and variable loads enabling the use of one hardness scale for all ranges of hardness from very soft lead to tungsten carbide.
direct charges	The user of the service is charged for the use of the service, related directly to the extent of use
organic matter	Carbonaceous waste contained in plant or animal matter and originating from domestic or industrial sources.
discharge	Flow of surface water in a stream or canal.
sic code	See Standard Industrial Classification (SIC) Code.
residue	The dry solids remaining after the evaporation of a sample of water or sludge.
co2 emissions	(See Greenhouse gas)
antecedent moisture condition	Soil moisture at the onset of a rainfall event
peat	Partially decomposed plants and other organic material that build up in poorly drained wetland habitats.
particulates	Fine liquid or solid particles such as dust, smoke, mist, fumes, or smog, found in air or emissions.
stopcock	A valve that regulates the flow of fluid through a pipe; a faucet.
pressurized water reactor	A nuclear reactor in which water, heated by nuclear energy, is kept at high pressure to prevent the water from boiling
sidewinding	A method of locomotion used by some snakes, for traveling across loose surfaces such as sand.
underground storage tank	(Water Quality) (1) Any one or combination of underground tanks and any connecting underground pipes used to contain an accumulation of regulated substances
acid lakes	Lakes that have water with a pH less than 6 standard units.
contributing area	the area in a drainage basin that contributes water to streamflow or recharge to an aquifer.
contaminant	introduced species, substance or material which was either not previously present or was present in a lesser amount, and that may have a harmful effect on the environment Cumulative Effects
basotholand	Or, Basutoland
clayseal	A barrier constructed of impermeable clay that stops the flow of water or gas.
cathodic protection	The control of the electrolytic corrosion of an underground or underwater metallic structure by the application of an electric current is such a way that the structure is made to act as the cathode instead of anode of an electrolytic cell.
burble	(1) A gurgling or bubbling sound, as of running water
sediment	The name given to material that has been carried by rivers or the sea and then deposited
reduction	chemical reaction in which an atom or molecule gains an electron; decrease in positive valence; addition of hydrogen to a molecule.
transmission lines	Pipelines that transport raw water from its source to a water treatment plant.
kame	a short ridge, hill, or mound of stratified drift deposited by glacial meltwater.
pumped storage project	A hydroelectric power plant and reservoir system in which water released for generating energy during peak load periods is stored and pumped back into the upper reservoir, usually during periods of reduced power demand.
flood	excess water from a river which spills over its banks
land breeze	The land-to-sea surface wind that occurs in coastal areas at night
anaerobic	A process that takes place in the absence of oxygen, such as the digestion of organic matter by bacteria in a UASB-reactor.
check dam	a small dam constructed in a gully or other small water course to decrease the streamflow velocity, minimize channel erosion, promote deposition of sediment and to divert water from a channel.
sediment trapping efficiency	the ratio of sediment retained within the reservoir to the sediment inflow to the reservoir.
hydraulic gradient	the change of hydraulic head per unit of distance in a given direction.
periodic table	a table in which the elements are commonly arranged in order of increasing atomic number
ephemeral stream	A stream or part of a stream that flows only in direct response to precipitation; it receives little or no water from springs, melting snow, or other sources; its channel is at all times above the water table.
erosion	The wearing down or washing away of the soil and land surface by the action of water, wind, or ice.
comma cloud	A feature seen on satellite images with a distinctive comma-shape
toc	Total Organic Carbon
reservoir	A reservoir is an artificial lake created by building a dam across a river.
calorie	the quantity of heat necessary to raise the temperature of 1 gram of water 1 oC at 1 atmosphere pressure.
geomorphic	Pertaining to the form or general configuration of the Earth or of its surface features.
cranberry bog	A bog dominated by this mat-forming evergreen shrub; common in eastern North America
deionisation	Process that serves to remove all ionised substances from a solution
snow blindness	Temporary blindness or impaired vision that results from bright sunlight reflected off the snow surface
scour	process of water eroding material through high velocities in conjunction with moving sediment.
dependable supply	The annual average quantity of water that can be delivered during a drought period.
cement grout	a mixture of water and cement in the ratio of not more than 5-6 gallons of water to a 94 pound sack of portland cement which is fluid enough to be pumped through a small diameter pipe.
cfu	colony forming units. Concentrations of water quality indicator organisms such as fecal coliform bacteria are measured in cfu/100 ml.
coagulation	The process in which very small, finely divided solid particles are agglomerated into larger particles.
mean velocity	The average cross-sectional velocity of water in a stream channel
critical sewers	The major sewers in a wastewater network that would result in the most significant consequences in the event of structural collapse.
stability index	See Langelier's Index.
biodiversity	Refers to the variety of life on earth
seasonal or intermittent streams	Streams which flow only at certain times of the year when it receives water from springs, rainfall, or from surface sources such as melting snow
noncarbonate hardness	Water hardness due to the presence of compounds such as calcium and magnesium chlorides, sulfates or nitrates; the excess of total hardness over total alkalinity.
volcanic water	Juvenile Water (new water) furnished by lava flows and volcanic activity.
saltmarsh	Vegetated areas in the upper part of the intertidal zone of estuaries where salt tolerant plants grow between the high spring tide and the mid tide level
mark	(Nautical) A knot or piece of material placed at various measured lengths on a lead line to indicate the depth of the water, or, more generally, measurement indicators of water depth, e.g., a Plimsoll mark.
sterile	A condition in which a quantity of water does not contain viable organisms such as viruses and bacteria
unit hydrograph	(1) The Hydrograph of direct runoff from a storm uniformly distributed over the drainage basin during a specified unit of time; the hydrograph is reduced in vertical scale to correspond to a volume of runoff from the drainage basin of one inch
fines	Smaller than the specified size or particles of ion exchange or filtration materials
point source	A stationary location or fixed facility from which pollutants are discharged; any single identifiable source of pollution.
critical area	Area or source of nonpoint source pollutants identified in the project area as having the most significant impact on the impaired use of the receiving waters.
interfacial tension	the strength of the film separating two immiscible fluids (e.g., oil and water) measured in dynes per, or millidynes per, centimeter.
packaging paper	- Collective term for papers of different pulp composition and properties, sharing only the application
hydraulic permeability	The flow of water through a unit cross-sectional area of soil normal to the direction of flow when the Hydraulic Gradient is unity.
public-service corporation	A corporation providing essential services, such as water or electricity, to the public.
natural sink	A habitat that serves to trap or immobilize chemicals such as plant nutrients, organic pollutants, or metal ions through natural processes
milligram per liter	A unit concentration of matter used in reporting the results of water and wastewater analyses
compensation	the placement of natural habitat, increase in the productivity of existing habitat or maintenance of fish production by artificial means in circumstances dictated by social and economic conditions, where mitigation techniques and other measures are not adequate to maintain habitats for Canada's fisheries resources.
ll	Location & Linkages section
vapor pressure	The partial pressure of water vapor in the atmosphere.
recycling	- Use of recovered waste paper and board by paper mills to produce paper and boards
hydrometer	An instrument used to determine specific gravity, especially a sealed, graduated tube, weighted at one end, that sinks in a fluid to a depth used as a measure of the fluid's specific density.
anthropogenic sites	Sites modified by human activities to the extent that their initial physical properties (e.g
dry strength additives	- materials added to paper fibers to provide strength to the paper product
degasification	The process of removing dissolved gasses from water, using vacuum or heat.
water wheel	(1) A device such as a turbine or similar engine to transform the energy of flowing water into mechanical power
riparian	Relating to the bank or shoreline of a body of water.
micron	A unit to discribe a measure of length, equal to one millionth of a metre.
water table	level below the earth's surface at which the ground becomes saturated with water
aquitard	A geologic unit that inhibits the flow of water
gpg	Abbreviation for grains per gallon.
sustainable management	A process of leading or directing in a way that allows the needs of the present to be met without compromising the ability to meet the needs of the future.
seston	All material, both organic and inorganic, suspended in a waterway.
adsorption	Gas separation process by fixing the molecules on a solid support
pathogenic	Something which can cause disease.
api gravity	gravity (weight per unit of volume) of crude oil or other liquid hydrocarbons as measured by a system recommended by the API (American Petroleum Institute)
zeta potential	(Water Quality) In a Colloidal system, the difference in potential between the immovable layer attached to the surface of the dispersed phase and the dispersion medium
cumulative infiltration	The summation of the depth of water absorbed by a soil in a specified elapsed time in reference to the time of initial water application.
fly ash	gas-borne solid particles resulting from the combustion of fuel and other materials.
neritic zone	The relatively shallow water zone that extends from the high tide market to the edge of the Continental Shelf
mean column velocity	the average velocity of fluid flow measured in a column extending from the surface of the water to the bed of the channel
armoring	(1) the natural process of forming an erosion-resistant layer of relatively large particles on the surface of the stream bed; (2) the artificial application of various materials to strengthen stream banks against erosion (see also revetment).
debris flow	A rapid moving mass of rock fragments, soil, and mud, with more that half of the particles being larger that sand size.
fresh-salt water interface	The region where fresh water and salt water meet.
fragmentation	Interruption of large expanses of one type of habitat or vegetation by man-made clearings
specific conductance	The measure of the electrical conductance of water or a water solution at a specific temperature, usually 25oC
noggin	A unit of liquid measure equal to one quarter of a pint.
thickener	A Settling Pond or tank where the concentration of solids is increased by allowing settling and the removal of clarified liquid
d.i. or di	Abbreviation for "deionization".
laboratory water	Purified water used in the laboratory as a basis to create solutions or making dilutions
thermal	Having to do with heat, as a hot spring (Thermal Spring).
period	a series of elements, arranged in order of atomic number represented by a horizontal row on the Periodic Table.
hyetograph	A chart showing the distribution of rainfall over a particular period of time or a particular geographic area.
monohydrate	A compound, such as calcium chloride monohydrate, CaCl2 Â· H2O, that contains one molecule of water.
arid	A term used for an extremely dry climate
isotherm	line that connects points of equal temperature.
aerobic	Characterizing organisms able to live only in the presence of air or free oxygen and conditions that exist only in the presence of air or free oxygen
osmophilic microorganisms	bacteria that can withstand high concentrations of salt or sugar
particulate transport	Movement of undissolved particles in subsurface water.
hydrology	the science that deals with water as it occurs in the atmosphere, on the surface of the ground, and underground.
landfill fire	Burning of waste on surface or deep inside a landfill
typhoid	Infection usually associated with an intestinal inflammation and ulceration; caused by Salmonella typhosa ingested with food or water.
alkalinity	the measurement of constituents in a water supply which determine alkaline conditions
microclimate	macroevolution: The evolution of species or higher taxonomic groups, such as genera, families, or classes
maximum water surface	The maximum water-surface elevation is the highest water surface elevation for which the dam is designed
measuring weir	A shaped notch, typically in rectangular, trapezoidal, or triangular shape, through which flowing water is measured.
krill	Small abundant crustaceans that form an important part of the food chain in Antarctic waters.
savanna	a vegetation type with scattered trees over a grassland, usually found in subtropical areas
positive charge	The electrical potential acquired by an atom which has lost one or more electrons; a characteristic of a cation.
canyon	A canyon is a deep valley with very steep sides - often carved from the Earth by a river.
ingestion	Swallowing
diversion dam	a barrier built within the active channel of a watercourse in order to divert water along a different flow path.
route of exposure	The way a chemical enters an organism after contact (e.g., ingestion, inhalation, or dermal absorption).
bank-full channel width	The top surface width of a stream channel when flowing at a bank-full discharge.
lead line	(Nautical) A line marked at intervals of fathoms and weighted at one end, used to determine the depth of water
firn	Old snow on the top of glaciers that has become granular and compact through temperature changes, forming the transition stage to glacial ice
specific gravity	The ratio of the density of a particular gas to that of air.
overburden	The earth, rock, and other materials that lie above a desired ore or mineral deposit.
detention time	The actual time that a small amount of water is in a settling basin or flocculating basin
stabilization	(Environmental) A broad expression used to denote a process that is intended to lessen the damage that a pollutant or discharge causes in the environment; the process of changing an active substance into inert, harmless material, or physical activities at a site that act to limit the further spread of contamination without actual reduction of toxicity
national response center	The 24-hour a day federal operations center receives notifications of all releases of oil and hazardous substances into the environment
freeze	(1) To pass from the liquid to the solid state by loss of heat
magnesium	One of the elements making up the earth’s crust
intellectual property rights	Legal property rights over creations of the mind such as music, literature, ideas and symbols.
agar plate count	the number of bacterial colonies that develop on a medium in a petri dish seeded with a known amount of inoculum.
inclined grate	A type of furnace in which fuel enters at the top part of a grate in a continuous ribbon, passes over the upper drying section where moisture is removed, and descends into the lower burning section
preventive maintenance	Maintenance operation of a facility to maintain the proper functioning and prevent failures and defects
tclp	Test Similar to the EP Tox Test referred to elswhere in this glossary
siloxanes	Organic compounds of human origin and which contain one or more silicon atoms
sympatric	Describing different species or populations that live in the same geographical area.
waft	(1) To cause to go gently and smoothly through the air or over water
colonization	(Biology) As applied to vegetation, the invasion of a disturbed area; annual plants are often colonizing species.
thermal gradient	temperature difference between two areas.
blowdown	The withdrawal of water containing a high concentration of solids or dissolved solids or maintain a specified solids-to-water concentration ratio.
sustainable agriculture	Method of growing crops and raising livestock based on organic fertilisers, soil conservation, biological control of pests, and minimal use of nonrenewable fossil-fuel energy
microtopography	Topography on a smaller scale
sloughing	Movement of a mass of soil down a bank into the channel (also called slumping)
tropical disturbance	An area of organized convection, originating in the tropics and occasionally the subtropics, that maintains its identity for 24 hours or more
diamond drill	a piece of equipment used to drill through hard rock, the drill has a diamond on the drill bit and can cut through hard rock better than a metal drill bit Dilution
yellow-listed	all species that are not included on the British Columbia Red or Blue Lists (see glossary terms for Blue-listed and Red-listed).
endoreic	A term used to describe areas with terminal lakes and an interior drainage basin
geyser	A geyser is a natural hot spring that occasionally sprays water and steam above the ground.
heterogeneity	The fact or state of being dissimilar, as in composition, source, quantity, dimensions, and so on.
food chain	the chain of living things in an ecosystem in which each link in the chain feeds on a link below it and is fed upon by the one above it.
biofuel	A fuel made wholly or partially from industrial byproducts obtained as a result of transforming plant or animal material.
dedications	A controversial water rights policy that involves a trade-off in which a user can begin pumping groundwater in exchange for a guarantee to buy and retire a like amount of surface water in the future
yersinia spp.	a Gram-negative, facultatively anaerobic, rod-shaped to ovoid bacteria of the family Enterobacteriaceae; species include Y
bioreactor	Bioreaction accelerates the production of landfill gas by recovering leachate and reincorporating it into the waste mass
grit removal	The process of removing sand and fine gravel from a stream od domestic waste in a Grit Chamber.
taxonomy	The science of classifying plants and animals.
erosion	The wearing away of the land surface by wind, water, ice or other geological agents
stenohaline	Pertaining to an aquatic organism unable to withstand wide variation in salinity of the surrounding water.
granular activated carbon treatment	A filtering system often used in small water systems and individual homes to remove organic compounds
inhibitor	Chemical that interferes with a chemical reaction, such as precipitation.
isohyet	line that connects points of equal rainfall.
carburization/decarburization	carburization is a form of case hardening that produces a carbon gradient extending inward from the surface, enabling the surface layer to be hardened either by quenching directly from carburizing temperature or by cooling to room temperature, then reaustenitizing and quenching
community	(1) A naturally occurring, distinctive group of different organisms which inhabit a common environment, interact with each other, and are relatively independent of other groups
unconfined aquifer	Aquifer containing unconfined groundwater, that is having a water table and an unsaturated zone.
fema designated flood zone	FEMA designates Flood Zones, which are zones where water overflows from a river or stream during extreme storm events
compost	The relatively stable humus material that is produced from a composting process of putrescible fraction of MSW in which bacteria in soil mixed with it break down the mixture into organic fertiliser.
log and safety boom	A net-like device installed around the discharge facility of a dam to prevent logs, debris, or boaters from entering the outlet device.
sauna	(1) A Finnish steam bath in which the steam is produced by pouring water over heated rocks; a bathhouse or room for taking such a steam bath
swash marks	The wavy lines of fine sand or bits of debris left on the beach at the upward limit of the rush of water following the breaking of a wave.
slip-off slope bank	The bank of a meandering stream which is not eroded by stream action, and which may be built up gradually.
colonies	A group of the same kind living or growing together
subsidence	the gradual downward settling or sinking of the Earth's surface with little or no horizontal motion.
rootwad	The mass of roots associated with a tree adjacent or in a stream that provides refuge and nutrients for fish and other aquatic life.
interstices	The openings or pore spaces in a rock, soil, and other such material
mean temperature	The average of temperature readings taken over a specified amount of time
spring	an issue of water from the earth; a natural fountain; a source of a body or reservoir of water.
halophilic microorganisms	those organisms whose requirement for salt – as an environmental factor – exceeds that of other organisms; extreme halophiles require salt concentrations of at least 15 to 20 percent for growth.
subtidal	Areas in shallow coastal areas which are below the low tide mark.
lateral moraines	The ridges of Glacial Till that mark the sides of a glacier's path
well plug	a seal installed in a borehole or well preventing movement of fluids.
systemic pesticide	a product that is absorbed into the plant and moves through the plant tissues; e.g., a systemic insecticide can move throughout a plant to kill sucking insects.
ecosystem services	The goods (tangible resources) and services (functions) provided by an ecosystem.
multicell storm	A thunderstorm made up of two or more single-cell storms.
dredging	A method for deepening streams, swamps, or other waters by scraping and removing solid materials from the bottom
afterbay	A reservoir that regulates fluctuating discharges from a hydroelectric power plant or a pumping plant.
gross duty of water	(Irrigation) The irrigation water diverted at the intake of a canal system, usually expressed in depth on the irrigable area under the system
runoff	Water from rainfall or snowmelt, which flows across the ground surface into drainage facilities, rivers, streams, ponds, lakes and wetlands or shallow groundwater.
homogenous aquifer	an aquifer that has similar forms or characteristics throughout, such as a uniform gravel aquifer
osmosis	A process of diffusion of a solvent such as water through a semipermeable membrane which will transmit the solvent but impede most dissolved substances
glacial lake	a lake that derives its water, or much of its water, from the melting of glacial ice; also a lake that occupies a basin produced by glacial erosion.
sediment-transport curve	Usually the relation between water discharge and Suspended-Sediment Discharge, but it can be between water discharge and Bed-Load Discharge, Unmeasured Sediment Discharge, or Total Sediment Discharge.
base floodplain	The floodplain that would be inundated by a one percent chance flood (100-Year Flood).
stakeholders	Persons, groups or institutions with interests (often financial) in a project or programme (see Primary Stakeholders; Secondary Stakeholders).
channel	The deeper, narrow elogated or more sharply trenched part of a lake bottom.
household and similar waste	Waste generated by retailers, trades people, offices and industry collected at the same time and under the same conditions as household waste.
solute	chemical or pollutant in a specified volume or weight of solvent, air, water, soil or other medium, accumulating a level of some material over and above the level found in the ambient environment, generally applied to an organism.
artificial beach	A bathing beach created by removing peat or muck and subsequently filling with sand or fine gravel
hypolimnion	bottom layer of cold water in a lake
diversity	An assortment of species and or objects contained within a discussed environment.
slough	A shallow backwater inlet that is commonly exposed at low tide.
thermal plant	A power generating plant which uses heat to produce energy
invertebrate	an animal without a backbone composed of vertebrae; examples include insects, worms, snails, mussels, prawns and cuttlefish (see vertebrate)
traditional knowledge	Generally refer to the matured long-standing traditions and practices of certain regional, indigenous, or local communities.
sinuous stream	Characterized by many curves or turns; winding.
upstream/downstream design	A water quality monitoring design that utilizes two water quality monitoring sites
lunette	A broad, low-lying, typically crescent-shaped mound of sandy or loamy matter that is formed by the wind, especially along the leeward side of a lake basin.
curb stop	A water service shutoff valve located in a water service pipe near the curb and between the water main and the building.
partial penetration	A well constructed in such a way that it draws water directly from a fractional part of the total thickness of the aquifer
national water law	A country´s legislation which regulates all the different aspects revolving around water resources.
alluvium	A general term for detrital deposits made by streams on river beds, flood plains, and alluvial fans; Example: a deposit of silt or silty clay laid down during times of flood
bed load	Sediment particles resting on or near the channel bottom that are pushed or rolled along by the flow of water.
sulfur	A yellowish, solid element (S)
prevalence of hiv	The AIDS / HIV prevalence rate in selected populations refers to the percentage of people tested in each group who were found to be infected with HIV.
reservoir	a place where water is collected and stored for use.
mainstem passage	The movement of salmon and steelhead around or through the dams and reservoirs in the Columbia and Snake rivers.
density	The weight of a certain amount of water
atomic number	A specific number that differs for each element, equal to the number of protons in the nucleus of each of its atoms.
wetted perimeter	The length of the wetted contact between a stream of flowing water and its containing conduit or channel, measured in a plane at right angles to the direction of flow.
quench	(1) To slake one's thirst
auxiliary spillway	A dam spillway built to carry runoff in excess of that carried by the principal spillway; a secondary spillway designed to operate only during exceptionally large floods
channelization	The process of changing and straightening the natural path of a waterway.
pond	A small natural body of standing fresh water filling a surface depression, usually smaller than a lake.
spur	A ridge of land that extends partly across a valley.
electrical conductivity	the ratio of the electric current density to the electric field in a material.
capillary zone	Soil area above the water table where water can rise up slightly through the cohesive force of capillary action.
a posteriori classification	A classification made based upon the results of experimentation.
polymers	a compound, normally of high molecular weight, formed by the linking of simpler molecules or monomers
exchange sites	Locations on ion exchange resin beads which hold mobile ions that are available for exchange with other ions in a solution passing through the bed
hydroelectric power	using water to generate electricity; turbine generators driven by falling water.
siltation	The deposition or accumulation of fine soil particles.
transfrontier conservation area	An area comprising two areas, which border each other across international boundaries and whose primary focus is wildlife conservation
scrubber-high energy	Scrubber-Low Energy
riprap	A layer, facing, or protective mound of rubble or stones randomly placed to prevent erosion, scour, or sloughing of a structure or embankment; also, the stone used for this purpose.
dye testing	A testing process using non-toxic dye to assist in the location and quantifying of specific defects in a sewer line
freeboard	the vertical space remaining in a containment structure; the vertical distance between the surface of the water and the top of a dam or dyke Glacier
disking	A mechanical method of scarifying the soil to reduce competing vegetation and to prepare a site to be seeded or planted.
meander	One curved portion of a sinuous or winding stream channel, consisting of two consecutive loops, one turning clockwise and the other anticlockwise.
dry well	an underground structure that collects runoff and distributes it over a large area, increasing absorption and preventing erosion.
hammer mill	A high-speed machine that uses hammers and cutters to crush, grind, chip, or shred solid waste.
biochemical oxygen demand	the quantity of oxygen used in the biochemical oxidation of organic matter in a specified time, at a specified temperature, and under specified conditions; standard test used in assessing wastewater biological oxygen demand.
volatiles	substances (usually a liquid) that evaporate at ordinary temperatures if exposed to the air.
water mass	(Oceanography) An oceanographic term that refers to a large body of water whose density characteristics are distinct from the surrounding aquatic environment because of inherent temperature or salinity differences
aggradation	(1) The build-up of sediments at the headwaters of a lake or reservoir or at a point where streamflow slows to the point that it will drop part or all of its sediment load
semi-confined aquifer	an aquifer partially confined by soil layers of low permeability in which recharge and discharge can still occur.
lagoon	a shallow stretch of seawater (or lakewater) near or communicating with the sea (or lake) and partly or completely separated from it by a low, narrow, elongate strip of land.
ce-qual-icm	Three-dimensional, time variable, integrated-compartment eutrophication model.
canal freeboard	The amount of canal lining available above maximum design water depth.
domestic wastewater facility	Refers to those facilities that receive or dispose of wastewater derived principally from residential dwellings, business or commercial buildings, institutions, and the like
hydrology	The science that deals with water as it occurs in the atmosphere, on the surface of the ground, and underground.
oxidizing agent	A chemical substance that brings about the oxidation of other substances in chemical oxidation and reduction reactions
percolation	The movement of water downward through the subsurface to the zone of saturation.
contaminant	organism, group of contaminants or constituent which signals the presence of something else, coliforms indicate the possible presence of other pathogenic bacteria, tests for a specific contaminant, or constituent which signals the possible presence of something else.
evaporation	The process by which water becomes vapor in the atmosphere.
bedrock	Rock at or near (beneath soil and regolith) the Earth's surface that is solid and relatively unweathered.
contamination	population: In ecology, this refers to individuals of the same species that occur together in time and space.
gaging station	A particular site on a stream, canal, lake, or reservoir where systematic observations of hydrologic data are obtained.
meander	the twisting and turning of a river's flow
frost line	The depth to which frost penetrates the earth.
conservation	Keeping, protecting or preserving a resource
herbicide	A pesticide that is used to kill plants, or to inhibit their growth or development
physical landscape	Natural land forms and associated natural phenomena of a region.
water table	The level of the top of the zone of saturation, in which free water exists in the pores and crevices of rocks and other earth strata.
bar	an accumulation of alluvium (usually gravel or sand) caused by a decrease in sediment transport capacity on the inside of meander bends or in the center of an overwide channel.
buoyancy	the tendency of a body to float or rise when immersed in a fluid; the power of a fluid to exert an upward force on a body placed in it.
channel	A groove in the land that a river flows along.
rainwater	Water that has fallen as rain and contains little dissolved mineral matter.
water	water which is applied to assist crops in areas or during times where rainfall is inadequate.
riparian vegetation	Plants adapted to moist growing conditions found along waterways and shorelines
lap	a surface defect, appearing as a seam, caused by folding over hot metal, fins, or sharp corners and then rolling or forging them into the surface, but not welding them.
dry slot	An area of dry, and usually cloud-free, air that wraps into the southern and eastern sections of a synoptic scale or mesoscale low pressure system
lake	A body of water completely surrounded by land.
storativity	The volume of water that a permeable unit, i.e., aquifer, will absorb or expel from storage per unit surface area per unit change in head
ecoregion	A physical region that is defined by its ecology, which includes meteorological factors, elevation, plant and animal speciation, landscape position, and soils.
atom	Basic building unit of matter
risk assessment	the process of determining the adverse consequences of some technology or process to the individual and/or the society
hydroxyl	The "OH" anion which has a single negative charge and provides the characteristics common to bases.
receiving waters	A river, ocean, stream, or other watercourse into which wastewater or treated effluent is discharged.
coefficient of mechanical diffusion	The rate at which solutes are mechanically mixed during Advective Transport, caused by the velocity variations at the microscopic level.
abyssal	Of or relating to the bottom waters of the ocean depth.
total coliform	The Escherica coli and similar gram negative bacteria that are normal inhabitants of fecal discharges
impermeable	rock, sediment or soil incapable of transmitting fluids under pressure. A clay layer is generally impermeable to water.
food chain	The transfer of energy from its primary source (plants) to larger animals.
crevice and pitting	corrosion caused by the concentration or depletion of dissolved salts, metal ions, oxygen or other gases, and such in pockets remote from the principle fluid stream, with a resultant building up of differential cells that ultimately cause deep pitting.
public service	The business of supplying an essential commodity, such as water or electricity, or a service, such as communications or transportation, to the public.
service pipe	The pipeline extending from the water main to the building served or to the consumer's system.
culvert dam	When culverts are constructed under roads that cross over the effluent (outlet) stream of a lake, they may be laid at a higher level than the original stream bed
secondary standards	Allowable amounts of materials in air or water that are set to retain environmental qualities not related to the protection of human health
total sediment discharge	The total quantity of sediment passing a section in a unit of time.
flow	The amount of water passing a particular point in a stream or river, usually expressed in cubic feet per second (cfs).
ground water reservoir	primarily from the surface, infiltration of rain and snowfall and its movement to the water table is one form of natural recharge, the volume of water added by this process, (see ground water).
estuary	An estuary is where a river meets the sea or ocean.
elimination	The act, process, or an instance of eliminating or discharging, as the removal from a molecule of the constituents of a simpler molecule for example, ethylene is formed by the elimination of water from ethanol.
inorganic	containing no carbon; matter other than plant or animal.
ultrafiltration	A membrane type system that removes small colloids and large molecules from solutions
refractive index	the ratio of the speed of electromagnetic radiation in a vacuum space to that in a specified medium.
bioaccumulation	The accumulation by organisms of contaminants through ingestion or contact with skin or respiratory tissue; the net accumulation of a substance by an organism as a result of uptake from all environmental sources
balanced operation	Operation of a canal system where the water supply exactly matches the total flow demand.
extinction	the processes that cause all members of a species to die
corrosion	The destructive disintegration of metals by electromechanical means
post-emergence	stage in a plant life-cycle after seedlings emerge from the soil surface.
flood damage	The economic loss caused by floods, including damage by inundation, erosion, and/or sediment deposition
subsurface drainage	Rainfall that is not evapotranspirated or does not become surface runoff.
salt meadow	a meadow subject to overflow by salt water.
candidate species	Plant or animal species designated by the Department of the Interior, U.S
silt	individual mineral particles of sand and clay that can be picked up by the air or water and deposited as sediment Siltation
in-situ stripping	treatment system that removes or strips volatile organic compounds from contaminated groundwater or surface water by forcing an air stream through the water and causing the compounds to evaporate.
buried drain	A covered drain usually made of clay, concrete, or plastic pipe installed beneath the ground surface at a planned grade and depth for conveyance of excess groundwater.
hungry water	Clear water minus its expected suspended sediment load, usually released from an impoundment that has excess energy, which erodes sediment from the downstream channel.
forbs	Term for any plant that is not a grass.
solid	a hard substance that keeps its own shape.
herbaceous	plants which do not develop wood in the stem or branches, but die down every year after flowering; also the soft succulent stems of such plants.
high sea	The open part of a sea or ocean, especially outside territorial waters; usually used in plural.
nurp	National Urban Runoff Program
continental shelf	The zone around the continents extending from the low-water mark seaward, typically ending in steep slope to the depths of the ocean floor.
heavy metals	Group of metals present in small quantities in the biogas
quiescent	State of the rest of a body. In the case of entrainment separation, the body would be a liquid. Also used to describe a sump containing evacuated liquids or solids.
priority	The concept that the person first using water has a better right to it than those commencing their use later
augmentation	the addition of water to meet flow needs.
ts	Total Solids
stream	A general term for a body of water flowing by gravity; natural watercourse containing water at least part of the year
flood stage profile	A graph of flooding condition water surface elevation versus distance along a river or stream
photosynthesis	The manufacture by plants of carbohydrates and oxygen from carbon dioxide and water in the presence of chlorophyll, using sunlight as an energy source.
slurry	mixture of 70 per cent water and 30 per cent sand/silt/clay size particles; term used in dredging.
phytoplankton	Usually microscopic aquatic plants, sometimes consisting of only one cell.
pressure relief valve	A valve which opens upon rising inlet pressure.
7q10	The period of lowest stream flow during a seven-day interval that is expected to occur once every 10 years
illuviation	The deposition in an underlying soil layer of colloids, soluble salts, and mineral particles leached out of an overlying soil layer.
steady-state conditions	Synonymous with Equilibrium conditions.
average year water demand	The demand for water under average hydrologic conditions for a defined level of development.
pothole	(1) A deep hole or pit, especially a deep, round hole formed in the rock of a river bed by gravel whiling in water
deep-well injection	Deposition of raw or treated, filtered hazardous waste by pumping it into deep wells, where it is contained in the pores of permeable subsurface rock.
faecal coliforms	Naturally occurring bacteria in the intestines of mammals (including humans) and birds
lake	separated by the fairly thin thermocline zone, from the lower, colder, denser zone of water, the hypolimnion.
combinatorial promoter library	A collection of promoters that is constructed by randomly ligating together promoter subregions, such as the sequence between −35 and −10 from the start codon, taken from different promoters
pesticide	any substance used to kill plant or animal pests; major categories of pesticides include herbicides and insecticides.
noxious plant	A harmful plant species.
siberian high	The semi-permanent high pressure area that forms over Siberia during the winter
mass number	the total number of protons and neutrons in an atomic nucleus.
circulate	to move in a circle, circuit or orbit; to flow without obstruction; to follow a course that returns to the starting point.
anaerobic	any process that can occur without oxygen; also applies to organisms that can survive without oxygen Analysis
turbidimeter	A device used to measure the degree of turbidity, or the density of suspended solids in a sample.
low clouds	A term used to signify clouds with bases below 6,000 feet and are of a stratiform or a cumuliform variety
geyser	a thermal spring that erupts intermittently and to different heights above the surface of the Earth; eruptions occur when water deep in the spring is heated enough to turn into steam, which forces the liquid water above it out into the air glacial striations - lines carved into rock by overriding ice, showing the direction of glacial movement glacier - a large mass of ice formed on land by the compacting and recrystallization of snow; glaciers survive from year to year, and creep downslope or outward due to the stress of their own weight groundwater - water under ground, such as in wells, springs and aquifiers gullying - small-scale stream erosion
estuarine zone	area near the coastline that consists of estuaries and coastal saltwater wetlands.
floe ice	Ice usually several feet thick, which has formed on the surface of a body of water and then has broken into pieces and is floating on the water's surface.
stream flow	The rate at which water passes a given point in a stream or river, usually expressed in cubic feet per second (cfs).
blowing sand	Sand that is raised by the wind to heights of six feet or greater
submergence	Condition of a Weir when the elevation of the water surface on the downstream side is equal to or higher than that of the weir crest.
yield strength	the stress at which a material exhibits a specified deviation from proportionality of stress and strain
halogens	A family of elements that includes bromine, chlorine, fluorine, astatine, and iodine
customary law	Traditional common rule or practice that has become an intrinsic part of the accepted and expected conduct in a community, profession, or trade and is treated as a legal requirement.
return flow	that part of irrigation water that is not consumed by evapotranspiration and that returns to its source or another body of water.
gamma ray	High-energy, short-wavelength electromagnetic radiation emitted from the nucleus of an excited atom
surface impoundment	an indented area in the land's surface, such a pit, pond, or lagoon.
ecosystem	the interacting system of a biological community and its non-living environmental surroundings; a complex system composed of a community of fauna and flora, taking into account the chemical and physical environment with which the system is interrelated.
standard	An enforceable rule, principle or measure established by a regulating authority e.g
ecosystem management	(Environmental) An approach to managing the nation's lands and natural resources which recognizes that plant and animal communities are interdependent and interact with their physical environment (i.e., soil, water, and air) to form distinct ecological units called Ecosystems
environment	The sum total of all the external conditions that effect an organism, community, material, or energy.
supplemental sources	When irrigation water supplies are obtained from more than one source, the source furnishing the principal supply is commonly designated the primary source, and the sources furnishing the additional supplies, the supplemental sources.
skin diving	The sport of swimming under water with a face mask and flippers and especially without a portable breathing device.
diatom	The common name for the Bacillariophyceae, a class of unicellular microscopic algae with a symmetrical siliceous exoskeleton.
water cycle	continuous movement of water from the oceans and fresh water sources to the air and land and then back to the oceans.
nimbostratus clouds	Rain clouds in layers that are generally spread across the sky; a low, gray, often dark cloud that precipitates rain, snow, or sleet
gas analyser	Equipment consisting of sensors and an electronic system for measuring concentrations of chemical compounds in a gas
compulsory licensing	Compulsory licensing is a mechanism created in the South Africa National Water Act to allow DWAF to review all the water use in an area to ensure that there is equal opportunity to apply to use water, water is shared fairly and used efficiently and water is kept clean and unpolluted.
cleaning	- the use of centrifugal forces to separate high/low density contaminants
rapid sand filter	Generally a concrete basin filled with graded gravel and coarse sand
gabion	A wire basket or cage that is filled with gravel or cobble and generally used to stabilize streambanks.
nesting density	The amount of bird nesting in the area.
haline	Term used to indicate dominance of ocean salt.
ore	a mineral or solid material containing a precious or useful substance in a quantity and form that makes its extraction/mining profitable Overburden
overflow standpipe	A standpipe located in a dam or other structure at an elevation that allows removal of excess water, preventing overflow.
particle size	The diameter (usually the intermediate diameter), in millimeters, of suspended sediment or bed material determined by either sieve or other sedimentation methods.
geotextile filter fabric	a filter constructed of cloth type material; synthetic material placed under erosion control material (i.e., riprap), with the primary functions of layer separation, aggregate confinement and distribution of load.
well hydrograph	A graphic representation of the fluctuations of the water surface in a well, plotted as Ordinate, against time, plotted as Abscissa.
sanitary papers	- The group of sanitary papers includes cellulose wadding, tissue and crepe paper, made from waste paper and/or chemical pulp - also with admixtures of mechanical pulp
solute	the substance that is dissolved to form a solution.
pallial line	a linear depression on the inside of the shell
saturated gas	Gas containing maximum water vapor for a given pressure and temperature
magnetic permeability	a factor, characteristic of a material that is proportional to the magnetic induction produced in a material divided by the magnetic field strength.
seveso	The Seveso Directive was issued following the accidental release of dioxins in 1976 in Seveso, northern Italy
nitrogen fixation	The biological or chemical process by which elemental nitrogen, from the air, is converted to organic or available nitrogen.
seasonal wetlands	Wetland areas flooded or taking on the characteristics of a wetland only during specific periods of the year or seasons
beryllium	The MCL is 0.004 mg/L and it can cause intestinal lesions.
request identification number	A number assigned by EPA to identify your Freedom of Information Act request (e.g., 1234-99)
meridional flow	Atmospheric circulation in which the north and south, or meridional, component of motion is unusually pronounced
oxalic acid	Can be used for the removal of iron stains from most washable fabrics
canal	An artificial or man-made river channel.
population density	(1) The number per unit area of individuals of any given species at a given time
clear-span bridge	a stream crossing structure that spans the bankfull channel and does not involve the construction or installation of any structure within the banks of the stream.
groundwater hydrology	The branch of hydrology that deals with the occurrence, movements, replenishment and depletion, properties and methods of investigation and utilisation of groundwater.
sensitivity analysis	Analysis of how errors in one or more estimates would affect the conclusion drawn from the estimates.
physical weathering	breaking down of parent rock into bits and pieces by exposure to temperature and changes and the physical action of moving ice and water, growing roots, and human activities such as farming and construction
depth	How deep the water is.
service run	That portion of the operating cycle of a water conditioning unit during which treated water is being delivered, as opposed to the period when the unit is being backwashed, recharged or regenerated.
stable channel	A stream channel with the right balance of slope, planform, and cross section to transport both the water and sediment load without net long-term bed or bank sediment deposition or erosion throughout the stream segment.
capacity development	The process whereby people, organisations and society as a whole unleash, strengthen, create, adapt and maintain capacity over time OECD (2006).
fabric filters	A device which uses fabric to remove particles from flue gas
soil-moisture retention	That part of the soil moisture retained by surface tension and molecular forces against the influence of gravity.
carbonate	(1) The collective term for the natural inorganic chemical compounds related to carbon dioxide that exist in natural waterways
previously developed	a site with preexisting paving, construction or other types of altered landscapes
environmental impact	the positive or negative effect of any action upon a given area or source.
dependable yield	The maximum annual supply of a given water development that is expected to be available on demand, with the understanding that lower yields will occur in accordance with a predetermined schedule or probability
aggradation	To fill and raise the level a stream bed by deposition of sediment.
geyser	A periodic thermal spring that results from the expansive force of super heated steam
alkalinity	The quantitative capacity of water or water solution to neutralize an acid
pool/riffle ratio	The ratio of surface area or length of pools to the surface area or length of riffles in a given stream reach; frequently expressed as the relative percentage of each category
calcium	One of the principal elements making up the earth’s crust; its compounds, when dissolved, make the water hard
terrestrial	Living or growing on land rather than in water or air.
specific storage	The volume of water removed or added within the unit volume of an aquifer per unit change in head.
water supply system	The collection, treatment, storage, and distribution of water from source to consumer.
synfuels	synthetic gaseous and liquid fuels synthesized from coal or other sources.
peninsula	A piece of land that projects into a body of water and is connected with the mainland by an Isthmus.
cfs-day	The volume of water represented by a flow of 1 cubic foot per second for 24 hours
sinking	controlling oil spills by using an agent to trap the oil and sink it to the bottom of the body of water where the agent and the oil are biodegraded.
fix a sample	A sample is "fixed" in the field by adding chemicals that prevent water quality indicators of interest in the sample from changing before laboratory measurements are made.
native species	A species that is a part of an area's original fauna or flora.
lec	Levy Exemption Certificate
rain gage	any instrument used for recording and measuring time, distribution, and the amount of rainfall.
discharge	Volume of water flowing through a river (or channel) cross-section in unit time.
biogeochemistry	The study of the transformation and movement of chemical materials to and from the Lithosphere, the Atmosphere, the Hydrosphere, and the bodies of living organisms (the Biosphere).
impact test	a test to determine the behavior of materials when subjected to high rates of loading, usually in bending, tension or torsion
deciduous plants	plants that lose their leaves in the fall and have bare branches in the winter.
phosphorus	An element essential to the growth and development of plants, but which, in excess, can cause unhealthy conditions that threaten aquatic animals in surface waters.
natural control	A stream-gaging control which is natural to the stream channel, in contrast to an artificial control constructed by man.
steering committee	High-level committee to oversee in this case MSWM strategic planning process
mean free path	The average distance that a molecule in a fluid (air or water) moves before colliding with another molecule.
phosphorus	An element that is essential to plant life but contributes to an increased trophic level (Eutrophication) of water bodies
fertiliser	A substance added to soil to make it more fertile
pm2.5	Particles in the atmosphere with a diameter of less than or equal to a nominal 2.5 micrometers
ccf	Hundreds of cubic feet - the measure of water consumption used in computing water bills.
leachate collection system	a system that gathers leachate and pumps it to the surface for treatment.
divining rod	A forked branch or stick that is believed to indicate subterranean water or minerals by bending downward when held over a source
abandoned water right	a water right which was not put to beneficial use for a number of years, generally five to seven years.
brackish water	Water containing bacteria between 1.000 and 15,000 ppm of dissolved solids.
emersed	(Botany) Rising above the surface of water as emersed aquatic plants.
particulates	Very small solids suspended in water
inorganic chemicals/ compounds	Chemicals that do not contain carbon
quart	A measure of capacity in both liquid and dry measure equal to two pints
calcareous	composed of, or containing lime or limestone
thermal pollution	an increase in air or water temperature that disturbs the climate or ecology of an area.
riparian	pertaining to or situated on the bank of a natural body of flowing water.
density	the mass per unit volume of a material
stenobathic	Limited to or able to live only within a narrow range of water depths
water demand schedule	A time distribution of the demand for prescribed quantities of water for specified purposes
fecal bacteria	Any type of bacteria whose normal habitat is the colon of warm-blooded mammals, such as man
crest gage	An instrument used to obtain a record of flood crests at sites where recording gages are not installed.
freezing fog	Used to describe the phenomena when fog is present and the air temperature is below 0°C
chlorinator	A device designed to feed chlorine gas or solutions of its compounds, such as hypochlorite, into a water supply.
intervale	(New England) A tract of low-lying land, especially along a river.
velocity of a stream	Rate of motion of a stream measured in terms of the distance its water travels in a unit of time, usually in feet per second.
feedwater	(Water Quality) Water input into a desalting or water treatment plant.
canal reach	The segment of the main canal system consisting of a series of canal pools between major flow control structures.
residual discharge	Direct surface discharge at the end of a period of excess rain.
densified refuse-derived fuel	A refuse-derived fuel (RDF) that has been processed through compaction to produce briquettes, pellets, or cubes.
organic waste	Carbon-containing materials that are discarded into the environment and particularly into bodies of water
bathymetry	(1) The measurement of the depth of large bodies of water (oceans, seas, ponds and lakes)
point source	source of pollution that involves discharge of wastes from an identifiable point, such as a smokestack or sewage treatment plant
coulee	(1) (Western U.S.) A deep gulch or ravine with sloping sides, often dry in summer
phenols	Organic compounds that are byproducts of petroleum refining, tanning, and textile, dye, and resin manufacturing
standard project flood	The flood that may be expected from the most severe combination of meteorological and hydrological conditions considered reasonably characteristic of the geographical area in which the drainage basin is located, excluding extremely rare combinations.
thalweg	the line of maximum depth in a stream
gas processors association	th Gas Processors Association is an organization of operating and producing companies engaged in the processing of natural gas
association	(Lake) A voluntary union of riparians whose purpose is management or development, or use or conservation of riparian lands and lake surface
global reporting initiative	Global Reporting Initiative
specific gravity	The ratio of the weight of a specific volume of a substance to the weight of the same volume of pure water at 4 C.
purgeable organics	volatile organic chemicals which can be forced out of the water sample with relative ease through purging.
blowdown	removal of liquids and/or solids from a process vessel or storage vessel or line by the use of pressure; often used to remove materials which, in high concentrations, could cause damage to the vessel or line, or exceed limits established by best engineering practices.
seeps	Groundwater/surface water connections caused by river or stream erosion into a near-surface aquifer.
variable	parasitism: A biological relationship involving one species obtaining nourishment from a host, usually without causing its death.
fermentation	Chemical reactions carried out by living microbes that are supplied with nutrients in the presence of heat, pressure, and light
compressive set	a permanent deformation resulting from compression stress or load.
buttress dam	A dam consisting of a watertight upstream face supported at intervals on the downstream side by a series of buttresses
sediment	Sediment is material suspended in water, that consists mostly of soil, but can also contain cigarette butts, litter, etc., which is carried by stormwater into the city's storm drain system and eventually into a body of water.
branch packing	Live woody branch cuttings and compacted soil used to repair slumped areas of stream banks.
nocturnal thunderstorms	Thunderstorms which develop after sunset
tailrace	The channel that is downstream of the draft tube that carries the water discharged from a turbine
water hole	A small natural depression in which water collects, especially a pool where animals come to drink.
linear alkyl sulfonate	A term applied to a family of straight chain chemical compounds, widely used as detergents; sometimes called "soft" detergents because they are more readily degraded to simpler substances by biological action than the previously used alkyl benzene sulfonate
flux	(1) A flowing or flow
lowland flooding	Inundation of the very lowest portions of floodplain areas near a river, stream or lake, which are normally subject to frequent flooding; usually considered nuisance flooding.
absorbent	A substance which has the capacity to adsorb.
watershed	same as drainage basin.
keyed in	Refers to tying the ends of a structure into the bank to prevent water from going behind it.
grain	(gr.) A unit of weight equal to 1/7000th of a pound, or 0.0648 gram.
tacking	The binding of Mulch fibers by mixing them with an adhesive chemical compound during land Restoration projects.
molecule	the smallest division of a compound that still retains or exhibits all the properties of the substance.
tropical dry forest	Similar to Tropical Rain Forest in as much as characterized by high temperatures throughout the year, but there is also a well-defined dry season that limits plant growth and animal activity
bac	see Biological Activated Carbon (BAC) Process.
valorization	Process whose objective is the transformation of a particular waste or raw product into a product or energy used by human activity
turbulence	A state of fluid flow in which instantaneous velocities exhibit irregular and apparently random fluctuations.
molecular sieve	Granular materials with a high specific surface and pores of varying sizes for gas separation
bmp	See best management practices.
burning	Co-Disposal
turbine/generator	Turn Key Project
laminar flow	A flow in which fluid moves smoothly in streamlines in parallel layers or sheets
water reactive	Describing any substance that reacts spontaneously with water to release a flammable or toxic gas, such as sodium metal.
substrate	What lines the bottom of an aquarium or enclosure use to hold herps
parts per billion	Expressed as ppb; a unit of concentration equivalent to the µg/l.
mesotrophic	omnivore: An animal that feeds on both plant and animal materials.
live cribwall	A rectangular framework of logs or timber constructed with layers of live plant cuttings that are capable of rooting.
irrigation water	water which is applied to assist crops in areas or during times where rainfall is inadequate.
upstream	In the direction towards the source of a stream.
expand	to take up more space.
sewer cleanout	A vertical section of pipe leading from the surface to a service line or mainline
environmental indicator	A measurement, statistic or value that provides a proximate gauge or evidence of the effects of environmental management programs or of the state or condition of the environment.
uniformity coefficient	The degree of variation in the size of the grains that constitute a granular material; the ratio of (a) the diameter of a grain of a size that is barely too large to pass through a sieve that allows 60 percent of the material (by weight) to pass through, to (b) the diameter of a grain of a size that is barely too large to pass through a sieve that allows 10 percent of the material (by weight) to pass through
riparian habitat	The aquatic and terrestrial habitat adjacent to streams, lakes, estuaries, or other waterways.
dry wash	A stream bed that carries water only during and immediately following rainstorms.
pingo	An Arctic mound or conical hill, consisting of an outer layer of soil covering a core of solid ice.
latent heat	(1) The quantity of heat absorbed or released by a substance undergoing a change of state, such as ice changing to water or water to steam, at constant temperature and pressure
jetter	one (as a geyser) that sends out a jet.
copper strip corrosion	a qualitative method of determining the corrosivity of a petroleum product by observing its effect on a strip of polished copper suspended or placed in the product; also known as copper strip test.
erosion	The wearing away, in this case by water and rocks constantly rubbing
clr	Classical Linear Regression Model.
environmental impact statement	A report required by Section 102(2)(c) of Public Law 91-190, National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), for all major projects which significantly impact on the quality of the human environment or are environmentally controversial
pathogens	Micro-organisms that are potentially disease-causing; these include (but are not limited to) bacteria, protozoa and viruses.
worm	An invertebrate animal with an elongated, soft, flexible, rounded or flattened body.
specific gravity	expression of the density or weight of a unit volume of material
excess rainfall	Effective rainfall in excess of infiltration capacity, resulting in runoff
swelling	The expansion of an ion exchange bed which occurs when the reactive groups on the resin are converted from one form to another
colloid	Very finely divided solid particles which will not settle out of a solution; intermediate between a true dissolved particle and a suspended solid which will settle out of solution
volatile acids	Acids produced during digestion
gas flare	General Contractor
concentration	The amount of material dissolved in a unit of solution, expressed in mg/L.
natural resource	any form of matter or energy obtained from the environment that meets human needs.
virus	a protein body capable of infecting and multiplying like living organisms within a host plant or animal; usually causing disease.
copper	The MCL is 1 mg/L
element	A unique atom determined by its number of protons. There are 98 naturally occurring elements on Earth.
percolating water	Water that passes through rocks or soil under the force of gravity.
surge	The increase in sea water height from the level that would normally occur were there no storm
fema	U.S
nitrite	an intermediate in the process of nitrification
potometer	An apparatus for measuring the rate of transpiration in a plant by determining the amount of water absorbed.
water spreading	(1) (General) Diverting runoff from natural channels or gullies by means of a system of dams, dikes, or ditches, and spreading it over relatively flat areas
instantaneous flows	The velocity of a volume of water.
backwash	A backward flow or water, also referred to as Backrush
mineral	A term applied to inorganic substances (such as rocks and similar matter) found in the earth strata, as opposed to organic substances such as plant and animal matter
retaining wall	A wall built to support or prevent the advance of a mass of earth or water.
saline soil	A nonalkali soil containing soluble salts in such quantities that they interfere with the growth of most plants.
epiphyte	A plant that grows on another plant and depends on that plant for mechanical support but not for nutrients.
artificial circulation	The mixing of lake water using an air bubble stream or other mechanical means rather or in addition to the wind mixing.
lake	A considerable body of inland water or an expanded part of a river.
pump curve	The relationship between the head developed by a pump and the capacity (flow) for a constant rotative speed.
worms	distinguished from non-segmented roundworms and flatworms, (see worms, polychaetes and oligochaetes).
e. coli	A bacterial species which inhabits the intestinal tract of man and other warm-blooded animals
salinisation	the process by which soluble salt levels in the soil increase to the point where plant growth is affected (see secondary salinity)
submersed plant	a plant which lies entirely beneath the water surface, except for flowering parts in some species.
decarburization	loss of carbon from the surface layer of a carbon-containing alloy due to reaction with one or more chemical substances in a medium that contacts the surface.
fountainhead	(1) A spring that is the source or head of a stream
groundwater storage capacity	The space or voids contained in a given volume of soil and rock deposits.
hydroelectric power	Power (hydroelectricity) produced using water power as a source of energy
public water use	Water supplied from a Public Water Supply System and used for such purposes as fire fighting, street washing, and municipal parks and swimming pools
leaky aquifer	An artesian or water table aquifer that loses or gains water through adjacent semipermeable Confining Units.
slough	An inlet or backwater, sometimes an alternate branch of a river.
discharge area	area where subsurface water is discharged to the land surface, to surface water, or to the atmosphere.
agricultural levee	A levee that protects agricultural areas where the degree of protection is usually less than that of a flood control levee.
drizzle	Slowly falling precipitation in the form of tiny water droplets with diameters less than 0.02 inches or 0.5 millimeters
duplicates	two separate samples with separate containers taken at the same time at the same place.
kinetic energy	The energy inherent in a substance because of its motion, expressed as a function of its velocity and mass, or MV2/2.
angstrom unit	A unit of length equal to one ten-billionth of a meter.
ion exchange treatment	A common water-softening technique often found on a large scale at water purification plants that remove some organics and radium by adding calcium oxide or calcium hydroxide to increase the pH to a level where the metals will precipitate out.
plankton	Minute floating forms of microscopic plants and animals in water which cannot get about to any extent under their own power
lentic	Characterizing aquatic communities found in standing water
kilograin	A unit of weight; one thousand grains, 17100 ppm, or 0.1429 pounds.
surface irrigation	A water application whereby water is applied to the soil either by controlled flooding or through some kind of furrow.
forest	The Australian definition (National Forest Inventory) is 'an area dominated by trees having usually a single stem and a mature stand height exceeding two metres with an existing or potential crown cover equal to or greater than 20%'
outfall	The mouth or outlet of a river, stream, lake, drain, or sewer.
stormwater discharge	precipitation that does not infiltrate into the ground or evaporate due to impervious land surfaces but instead flows onto adjacent land or water areas and is routed into drain/sewer systems.
saline water	water containing more than 1,000 parts per million (ppm) of dissolved solids of any type
iso	a prefix denoting similarity
palatable water	Water, at a desirable temperature, that is free from objectionable tastes, odors, colors, and turbidity.
material defects	a departure of any quality characteristic from its intended (usually specified) level that is severe enough to cause the product or service not to fulfill its anticipated function
watershed	Summit or boundary line separating adjacent drainage basins.
hydropower	Power (e.g., electrical energy) produced by falling water; the utilization of the energy available in falling water for the generation of electricity.
area of shallow flooding	Designated Flood Zones AO and AH on a community's Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM) with a one percent or greater annual chance of flooding to an average depth of one to three feet where a clearly defined channel does not exist, where the path of flooding is unpredictable and where velocity flow may be evident
caldera	a large, more or less circular, basin-shaped volcanic depression whose diameter is many times greater than the volcanic vent.
divert	taking water from a stream and includes causing water to leave the channel of a stream and making a change in or about the channel that permits water to leave it.
hygroscopic	Describing a chemical substance with an affinity for water, one that will absorb moisture, usually from the air
energy dissipator	A structure for slowing the fast moving spillway flows of a dam in order to prevent erosion of the stream channel below the dam.
quinary catchment	5th level sub-basins.
dowser	(1) A person who uses a Divining Rod to search for underground water or minerals
waterlogging	saturation of soil with irrigation water so the water table rises close to the surface.
epa	Environmental Protection Agency. The federal regulatory agency responsible for protecting environmental quality throughout the nation
dyke	see Dike.
shelf ice	An extension of glacial ice into coastal waters that is in contact with the bottom near the shore but not toward the outer edge of the shelf.
skin sample	Sampled water that is not representative of the cross-sectional flow in a pipe or conduit
hill	Smaller than a mountain, a raised part of the earth.
hydroelectric plant	electric power plant in which the energy of falling water is used to spin a turbine generator to produce electricity.
acreage	(1) An area of land or water measured in acres
entrain	To trap bubbles in water either mechanically through turbulence or chemically through a reaction.
carbonate hardness	Hardness of water caused by carbonate and bicarbonate by-products of calcium and magnesium.
warm blooded	An animal that maintains its body temperature at a relatively constant level by physiological means regardless of the temperature of the environment (also called Endotherm ).
surface emission monitoring	Involves looking for areas where there is landfill gas venting to the atmosphere
inorganic soil	soil with less than 20 percent organic matter in the upper 16 inches.
bed load	the particles in a stream channel that mainly move by bouncing, sliding, or rolling on or near the bottom of the stream.
british thermal unit	the quantity of heat necessary to raise the temperature of 1 pound of water by 1 oF.
native species	species that are native to (i.e
moisture stress	A condition of physiological stress in a plant caused by a lack of water.
subtropical	The region between the tropical and temperate regions, an area between 35° and 40° North and South latitude
westerlies	Usually applied to the broad patterns of persistent winds with a westerly component
riverine wetlands	wetlands within river and stream channels; ocean-derived salinity is less than 0.5 part per thousand.
appurtenant water right	A water right that is incident to the ownership or possession of land.
interbasin transfer	The diversion of water from one drainage basin to one or more other drainage basins.
tundra	A tundra is a cold, treeless area; it is the coldest biome.
institutional controls	A variety of methods used to control access to a contaminated site and/or exposure to contaminants at a site
urbanisation	The formation and development of a city or metropolitan area, often due to population growth caused by the movement of people from rural to urban areas.
crustacean	A fresh and salt water animal that has a hard shell
moisture	(1) Diffuse wetness that can be felt as vapor in the atmosphere or condensed liquid on the surface of objects; dampness
stack	TCLP
mulch-till	Disturbance of the soil prior to planting
header	A central piping system with two or more side outlets located at the bottom of a water conditioning system
deposition	The settling out of a soil particle or aggregate of particles from the water column.
contract	Any repayment or water service contract between the United States and a district providing for the payment of construction charges to the federal government, including normal operation, maintenance, and replacement costs pursuant to federal reclamation law
ventral	Referring to the underside of an animal, the "tummy" side
camel	A device used to raise sunken objects, consisting of a hollow structure that is submerged, attached tightly to the object, and pumped free of water
dealkalization	A process for the reduction of alkalinity in a water supply
pollution prevention	The active process of identifying areas, processes, and activities which generate excessive waste for the purpose of substitution, alteration, or elimination of the process to prevent waste generation in the first place.
recirculation	Water reused within a plant unit
seven seas	Figuratively, all the waters or oceans of the world
micron	A linear measure equal to one millionth of a meter.
levee	An embankment, generally constructed on or parallel to the banks of a stream, lake or other body of water, for the purpose of protecting the land side from inundation by flood water or to confine the stream flow to its regular channel.
ply	The number of individual yarns twisted together to make a composite yarn.
holothurian	A group of marine, bottom-dwelling animals related to the sea stars and sand dollars (echinoderms)
corrosion	the quality of a substance which causes the gradual deterioration of another material by chemical processes, such as oxidation or attack by acids; emissions containing corrosive substances that are by-products of combustion can cause rusting and other forms of corrosion among metal structures
effluent	Outflow from a particular source, such as a stream that flows from a lake or liquid waste that flows from a factory or sewage-treatment plant.
ecology	The study of the inter-relationships of living things to one another and to the environment.
stream	river or lake that is covered by water during a flood, land next to a river that becomes covered by water when the river overflows its banks.
divergence	Wind movement that results in a horizontal net outflow of air from a particular region
evergreen	(Botanical) Remaining verdant, as coniferous trees and many tropical plants
cottage-water ratio	The ratio between the number of shoreland cottages or lake homes (whose owners or occupants have access to the water) and the area (expressed in acres) of the lake surface.
acre-foot	the volume of water, 43,560 cubic feet, that will cover an area of one acre to a depth of one foot; a term used in sewage treatment in measuring the volume of material in a trickling filter.
insecticide	A pesticide compound specifically used to kill or prevent the growth of insects.
visual resource	The composite of basic terrain, geologic features, hydrologic features, vegetative patterns, and land use effects that typify a land unit and influence the visual appeal that the unit may have for visitors.
douche	A stream of water, often containing medicinal or cleansing agents, that is applied to a body part or cavity for hygienic or therapeutic purposes.
noncommunity water system	A public water system that does not meet the definition of a community water system.
alluvium	Sediments deposited by erosion processes, usually by streams.
endocrine disrupters	Substances that act like hormones in the endocrine system and disrupt the physiologic function of hormones.
inert	Lacking the ability to chemically react with other substances.
scour	the erosive action of running water in streams, which excavates and carries away material from the bed and banks
soaker hose	A low-flow watering device with small holes throughout the surface of the hose used to soak plant beds and gardens.
drop weight	impact resistance tests where weights are dropped on the specimen from varying heights.
dune	Accumulations of wind-blown sand in ridges or mounds that lie landward of the beach and usually parallel to the shoreline.
microsystem irrigation	Method of precisely applying irrigation water to the immediate root zone of the target plant at very low rates.
adsorbate	Any substance that is or can be adsorbed
open access resource	A resource to which no control on access is applied; therefore, the resource can be accessed by any individual at any time.
environment	the sum of all conditions and influences affecting the life of organisms.
butte	A butte is a flat-topped rock or hill formation with steep sides.
density current	A flow of water maintained by gravity through a large body of water, such as a reservoir or lake, which retains its identity because of a difference in density.
groundwater	Subsurface water and underground streams that can be collected with wells, or that flow naturally to the earth's surface though springs.
anaerobic	A biological process which occurs in the absence of oxygen.
slug	An abnormally high concentration of an undesirable substance which passes through a water system, usually brief or intermittent in nature, and often related to an upset of a system
drought	Term applied to periods of less than average precipitation over a certain period of time.
carbon dioxyde	Molecule composed of a carbon atom and two oxygen atoms
subcritical flow	flow characterized by low velocity and a Froude number less than 1
bank-full discharge	The stream discharge corresponding to the water stage that first overtops the natural banks
condensation	the process of water vapor in the air turning into liquid water, the opposite of evaporation; the water that is condensed.
radiatively active gas	Gross Domestic Product (GDP): The total annual value of all goods and services produced domestically within a country
hydration	The chemical combination of water with another substance.
disinfection	effective killing by chemical or physical processes of all organisms capable of causing infectious disease
quicksilver water	A solution of mercury nitrate used in gilding.
polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons	See polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons
ammonia oxidation	Test drawn during manufacturing process to evaluate the ammonia oxidation rate for the nitrifiers.
aggressive water	Water that is soft and acidic and can corrode plumbing, pipes and appliances.
brackish	Having a somewhat salty taste, especially from containing a mixture of seawater and fresh water.
atp	Adenosine triphosphate
bmp	See Best Management Practices (BMP) and Best Management Practices (BMP)âUrban Water Use.
open system	system in which energy and matter are exchanged between the system and its environment, for example, a living organism.
backscatter	A radar echo that is reflected, or scattered, at 180 degrees to the direction of the incident wave
mound system	a soil absorption system that is elevated above the natural soil surface utilizing suitable fill material, horizontal perforated distribution pipes, and standpipes.
ballast water	Ocean-going ships load up with water in bilge holds using the extra mass to keep them stable while they ply their way to their destination port
eddy	A current, as of water or air, moving contrary to the direction of the main current, especially in a circular motion.
valleys	V shaped grooves formed by erosion
flora	the entire plant life of a region (see also fauna)
slump	The sliding or gravitational movement of an overlying layer of soil, typically from becoming saturated, and lying on a rock layer or other relatively impermeable layer.
stage-capacity curve	A graph showing the relation of the surface elevation of the water in a reservoir, usually plotted as the ordinate, to the volume below that elevation, plotted as the abscissa.
calcium nitrate treatment	A method of adding nitrate to lake sediments.
cost sharing	The practice of allocating project funds to pay part of the cost of constructing or implementing a BMP
tailwater recovery	The process of collecting irrigation water runoff for reuse in the system.
melt flow rate	an alternate name for the melt flow index.
ford	A shallow place in a body of water, such as a river, where one can cross by walking or riding on an animal or in a vehicle.
groundwater hydrology	the branch of hydrology that deals with groundwater; its occurrence and movements, its replenishment and depletion, the properties of rocks that control groundwater movement and storage, and the methods of investigation and utilization of ground water.
environmental impact assessment	A procedure that examines the possible environmental consequences of implementing a project, program, or policy.
exhaustion	The state of an ion exchange material in which it is no longer capable of effective functioning due to the depletion of the initial supply of exchangeable ions; the exhaustion point may be defined in terms of a limiting concentration of matter in the effluent, or in the case of demineralization, in terms of electrical conductivity.
solvent	a liquid used to dissolve another substance.
senescence	Describing plants or specific ecosystems that are nearing the end of their normal life span
community-based organisation	Community based interest groups formed by the members of a local community to take charge of their interests or to influence events.
intergrade	Animals that seem to blend characteristics of subspecies.
karst hydrology	The branch of Hydrology that deals with the hydrology of geological formations having large underground passages or fractures which enable underground movement of large quantities of water.
drop-inlet spillway	Overfall structure in which the water drops through a vertical riser connected to a discharge conduit.
primary consumer	An animal that eats autotrophs.
fringe marsh	A saturated, poorly drained area, intermittently or permanently water covered, close to and along the edge of a land mass.
irradiated food	Food that has been briefly exposed to radioactivity (usually gamma rays) to kill insects, bacteria, and mold
broad-leaved deciduous	Woody Angiosperms (trees or shrubs) with relatively wide, flat leaves that are shed during the cold or dry season; e.g., black ash (Fraxinus nigra).
gust	A sudden significant increase in or rapid fluctuations of wind speed
biomagnification	an increase in concentration of a substance at each progressive link in the food chain (for example: berries birds foxes bears; the concentration of a contaminant such as lead would be highest in a large meat-eater) Bioremediation
habitat	An area in which an organism lives
siltation	The process of the deposition of sediment from water, other resulting in the loss of a port or harbour as seen in many parts of Cornwall.
streambanks	The usual boundaries, not the flood boundaries, of a stream channel
mcl goal	Under the Safe Drinking Water Act, a non-enforceable concentration of a drinking water contaminant, set at the level at which no known or anticipated adverse effects on human health occur and which allows an adequate safety margin
moisture tension	The equivalent negative pressure in the soil water
accretion	The slow addition to land by deposition of water-borne sediment
sheet piling	Material, typically concrete or steel, placed vertically in the ground to contain erosion or the lateral movement of groundwater.
defog	To remove condensed water vapor from a surface.
escarpment	the topographic expression of a fault.
adsorb pollutants	used in some water treatment systems to remove certain organic chemicals and radon gas.
weir	a wall or plate placed in an open channel to measure the flow of water; a wall or obstruction used to control flow from settling tanks and clarifiers to ensure a uniform flow rate and avoid short-circuiting.
spring	area where there is a concentrated discharge of ground water that flows at the ground surface.
aedile	An elected official of ancient Rome who was responsible for public works and games and who supervised markets, the grain supply, and the water supply.
stream bed	(1) The unvegetated portion of a channel boundary below the baseflow level.(2) The channel through which a natural stream of water runs or used to run, as a dry stream bed.
bacteria	plants and animals.
bath	The act of soaking or cleansing a body, as in water or steam
species richness	The number of species (taxa) present in a defined area or sampling unit.
channel scour	Erosion by flowing water and sediment on a stream channel; results in removal of mud, silt, and sand on the outside curve of a stream bend and the bed material of a stream channel.
youth	(Geology) The first stage in the erosion cycle.
green wastes	Wastes from agricultural activity, the size of the trees and mowing lawns
ph	The pH of a liquid is the negative logarithm of the concentration of hydrogen ions in the solution.
probable maximum precipitation	The maximum amount of precipitation for a given period that can reasonably be expected to occur in a specific drainage basin.
wind scale	A systematic arrangement of words and/or numbers used for expressing and recording the velocity or force of the wind
correlative rights	rights that are coequal or that relate to one another, so that any one owner cannot take more than his share.
nrcs	National Resource Conservation Service
riparian habitat	Areas adjacent to rivers and streams with a high density, diversity, and productivity of plant and animal species relative to nearby uplands.
pervious zone	A part of the cross section of an Embankment Dam comprising material of high permeability.
watershed management	The analysis, protection, development, operation or maintenance of the land, vegetation and water resources of a drainage basin for the conservation of all its resources for the benefit of its residents
temperature regulation	The processes through which an organism's temperature is adjusted to certain metabolic requirements or conditions in its environment
composites	a heterogeneous (composed of unrelated or unlike elements), solid material consisting of two or more distinct components that are mechanically or metallurgically bonded together.
aptamer	A short nucleic acid or peptide sequence that specifically binds to a target molecule.
boreal	a climatic zone having a definite winter with snow and a short summer that is generally hot, and which is characterized by a large annual range of temperature.
concentration	The amount of a substance contained in a unit volume or mass of a sample.
suspended sediment	sediment that is transported in suspension by a stream.
outfall	The place where a wastewater treatment plant discharges treated water into the environment.
sediment	eroded soil material (often suspended in water that consists mainly of particles from rocks, soil, and inorganic materials).
standard deviation	Statistical measure of the dispersion or scatter of a series of values
playa lake	A temporary lake formed in a Playa
bio-cng	Gaseous or liquid fuel from biogas purification or conversion of hydrogen from renewable sources and containing mainly methane in sufficient concentration to be used as fuel in vehicles
sludge volume index	(SVI) The volume in milliliters occupied by one gram of dry solids after the aerated mixed liquor settles 30 minutes.
domestic use	The quantity of water used for household purposes such as washing, food preparation, and bathing.
rocs	Renewables Obligation Certificates
stream bank erosion	The removal of soil from stream banks by flowing water.
zone of aeration	a region in the Earth above the water table
mitigation	actions taken during the planning, design, construction, and operation of a project to control, reduce or eliminate a potential adverse impact of a project.
filter medium	The permeable material that separates solids from liquids passing through it.
distribution uniformity	the consistency with which irrigation water is applied to an area
biota	All living organisms in a region or ecosystem.
fossil fuels	coal, oil, and natural gas, which were formed from the fossilized remains of ancient organisms.
bacteria	any of numerous unicellular microorganisms of the class Schizomycetes, occurring in a wide variety of forms, existing either as free-living organisms or parasites, and having a wide range of biochemical, often pathogenic properties
siltation	The deposition or accumulation of silt (or small-grained material) in a body of water.
water softener	Water softeners remove unwanted minerals from the water supply using one of several methods such as ion exchange
understory	Plants growing beneath the canopy of other plants
stream	a water course with flowing water, the smaller relative of a river. (Intermittent streams flow for only part of the year, as after the spring snow melt or rains.)
ozone	An unstable oxidizing agent, that consists of three oxygen atoms and can be found in the ozone layer in the atmosphere
radical	an atom or group of atoms with at least one unpaired electrons.
grout curtain	(Dam) A barrier produced by injecting grout into a vertical zone, usually narrow horizontally, in the foundation of a dam to reduce seepage under the dam
suitability	(Environmental) The appropriateness of applying certain resource management practices to a particular area of land, as determined by an analysis of the economic and environmental consequences.
thermistor	a semiconductor whose resistance will vary with temperature.
siltation	deposition of sediments from water in channels, harbours, etc
iso 9001	Quality management systems The ISO 9001 standard assesses the capacity of an organization to meet the client's requirements with regards to the quality of a product or service.
silviculture	The art of producing and caring for a forest.
nitrate	A form of nitrogen which is readily available to plants as a nutrient
launch	(Nautical) To put (a boat) into the water in readiness for use.
ramsar	Designated under the 1971 Ramsar Convention on Wetlands of International Importance especially as Waterfowl Habitat
echard	Soil water not available for absorption by plants.
hundred-year flood	The magnitude of a flood which has one chance in one hundred (i.e., one percent) of being exceeded in any future one-year period
capillary zone	The soil area above the water table where water can rise up slightly through the cohesive force of Capillary Action.
waste valorization	Processing of waste intended to produce usable by-products or energy
leaching	The process by which soluble constituents are dissolved and filtered through the soil by a percolating fluid.
environmental audit	An independent assessment of the current status of a party's compliance with applicable environmental requirements or of a party's environmental compliance policies, practices and controls.
submersed	(Botany) Growing or remaining under water.
flood attenuation	a weakening or reduction in the force or intensity of a flood.
stover	The dried stalks and leaves of a crop remaining after the grain has been harvested.
skimming	using a machine to remove oil or scum from the surface of the water.
atmosphere	envelope of gases surrounding the Earth.
well logs	A record that is kept during well drilling of the various formations and rock materials and the depths at which they are encountered
percolation	the movement of water through the subsurface soil layers, usually continuing downward to the groundwater or water table reservoirs.
pumped storage	(1) A reservoir that has a pumping plant as the main source of water supply
easement	A legal instrument enabling the giving, selling, or taking or certain land or water rights without transfer of title, such as for the passage of utility lines
zeolite	A group of hydrated sodium aluminosilicates, either natural or synthetic, with ion exchange properties
truckee-carson irrigation project [nevada]	Original name of the Newlands (Irrigation) Project [Nevada]
heath	A tract of waste land; especially in Great Britain, an open, level area clothed with a characteristic vegetation consisting principally of undershrubs of the genus Erica, or a large genus of low evergreen shrubs
macrointervebrate	an animal without a backbone, large enough to be seen without magnification and unable to pass through a 0.595 mm mesh.
barrier beach	a narrow, elongate sandy ridge rising slightly above the high-tide level and extending generally parallel with the mainland shore, but separated from it by a lagoon.
current	a movement of electrons through a conductor
greensand	A natural mineral, primarily composed of complex silicates, which possess ion exchange properties
ozone	oxygen in molecular form with three atoms of oxygen forming each molecule (O3)
th	Total Hardness
phytotoxic	damaging or injurious to plants, often by destroying the protective surface on plant leaves.
small craft advisory	An advisory issued for marine interests, especially for operators of small boats or other vessels
flash point	the temperature at which the vapors rising off the surface of the heated oil will ignite with a flash of very short duration when a flame is passed over the surface
black smoker	A vent in a geologically active region of the sea floor from which issues superheated water laden with minerals (as sulfide precipitates).
mineral	A term applied inorganic substances, such as rocks and similar matter found in the earth strata, as opposed to organic substances such as plant and animal matter
media	specific environments – air, water, soil – which are the subject of regulatory concern and activities.
sediment	Particles and/or clumps of particles of sand, clay, silt, and plant or animal matter carried in water.
designer bugs	A popular term for Microbes developed through Biotechnology that can degrade specific toxic chemicals at their source in toxic waste dumps, in ground water, or on the land surface
lacustrine wetlands	According to criteria of the U.S
sheet erosion	The removal by surface runoff of a fairly uniform layer of soil from a bank slope from "sheet flow" or runoff that flows over the ground surface as a thin, even layer not concentrated in a channel.
snow pellet	A small white ice particle that falls as precipitation and breaks apart easily when it lands on a surface
market	A market is created whenever potential sellers of a good or service are brought into contact with potential buyers
transpiration	The process in which living plants release water vapor into the atmosphere, a significant part of the hydrologic cycle.
activated sludge	Oxygen dependent biological process that serves to convert soluble organic matter to solid biomass, that is removable by gravity or filtration.
plane	To skim across the surface of the water.
ductility	the ability of a material to deform plastically without fracturing, measured by elongation or reduction of area in a tensile test, by height of cuppin in an Erichsen test o by other means.
operable unit	An administrative term used to identify a portion of a site that can be addressed by a distinct investigation and/or cleanup approach
aquifer	a geologic formation, group of formations, or part of a formation that contains sufficient saturated permeable material to yield significant quantities of water to springs and wells.
threatened species	a species likely to become endangered
fluid	a substance which yields readily to any force which tends to alter its shape; fluids possess no definite shape; the term includes both liquids and gases.
denitrification	An anaerobic biological reduction of nitrate nitrogen to nitrogen gas, the removal of total nitrogen from a system, and/or an anaerobic process that occurs when nitrite ions are reduced to nitrogen gas and bubbles are formed as a result of this process
delta	the low, nearly flat tract of land at or near the mouth of a river, resulting from the accumulation of sediment supplied by the river in such quantities that it is not removed by tides, waves, or currents
radius of influence	the radial distance from the center of a wellbore to the point where there is no lowering of the water table or potentiometric surface; the edge of the cone of depression.
algae wash	Shoreline drift composed mainly of filamentous algae
depletion	Loss of water from surface water reservoirs or groundwater aquifers at a rate greater than that of recharge.
hydraulic control	a feature in a stream (such as a constriction or a weir) that controls the upstream water surface elevation.
durometer	an instrument for measuring hardness, that is, the resistance to the penetration (without puncturing) of the indentor into the surface of a material
toxicity	the degree to which substance is poisonous or injurious to a plant or animal
irrigation diversion	Generally, a ditch or channel that deflects water from a stream channel for irrigation purposes.
ldr	Land Disposal Restrictions; mandated by the U.S
national response center	The U.S
water-related disease	An epidemic event caused by Waterborne virus or bacteria
institutional strengthening	Process designed to enhance the ability of an institution to meet its objectives more effectively through a combination of measures including technical assistance, training, improved management structure system and better legislative and regulatory frameworks.
lakes	ponds and reservoirs, (see lotic).
nasolabial groove	A depression or trough running from the external naris (nostril) to the edge of the upper lip in Plethodontid (lungless) salamanders.
plain weave	The simplest and most common weave, repeating pattern of two warps and two filling yarns. Also known as “one up and one down” weave.
mold	any of a group (Myxomycetes or Mycetozoa) of organisms usually held to be lower fungi but sometimes considered protozoans that exist vegetatively as mobile plasmodia and reproduce by spores.
backwater	(1) A small, generally shallow body of water attached to the main channel, with little or no current of its own.
unconsolidated formations	naturally occurring earth formations that have not been lithified
boolean truth table	The table of inputs and outputs that specifies a certain Boolean function.
carnivore	An organism that feeds primarily on other animals.
bog	a nutrient-poor, acidic wetland dominated by a waterlogged spongy mat of sphagum moss that ultimately forms a thick layer of acidic peat; generally has no inflow or outflow; fed primarily by rain water.
chelating agent	A chemical compound sometimes fed to water to tie up undesirable metal ions, keep them in solution, and eliminate or reduce the normal effects of the ion.
thermocline	Zone of rapid temperature and density change in a stratified water body; marks the transition zone between the epilimnion and the hypolimnion
dissolve	to enter into a solution divert - to direct a flow away from its natural course divide - a ridge or high area of land that separates one drainage basin from another drainage basin - all of the area drained by a river system drought - a prolonged period of below-average precipitation
headwaters	the upper parts of a river drainage system
anion	ion having a negative charge; an atom with extra electrons
effective precipitation	That portion of precipitation which remains on the foliage or in the soil that is available for Evapotranspiration, and reduces the withdrawal of soil water by a like amount
brush layer	Live branch cuttings laid in crisscrossed fashion on benches between successive lifts of soil.
load line	The line on a ship indicating the depth to which it sinks in the water when properly loaded
alpine snow glade	a marshy clearing between slopes above the timberline in mountains.
stain resistance	the ability of a material to resist staining caused by many different factors.
riparian	pertaining to an area adjacent to a river or lake; describes the area adjacent to flowing water (e.g., rivers, perennial or intermittent streams, seeps or springs) that contains elements of both aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems, which mutually influence each other
algal bloom	Explosion of algae populations in surface waters usually caused by an increase in nutrients such as nitrates and phosphates
anatomy	the structure of a plant or animal
rated flow	Normal operating flow rate at which a product is passed through a vessel; flow rate which a vessel and media are designed to accommodate.
biotechnology	Techniques that use living organisms or parts of organisms to produce a variety of products (from medicines to industrial enzymes) to improve plants or animals or to develop microorganisms to remove toxics from bodies of water, or act as pesticides.
unsaturated flow	Underground water flow through soil or rock where the void spaces are filled both with water and air.
return flow	(1) That part of a diverted flow which is not consumptively used and returns to its original source or another body of water
biomagnification	A cumulative increase in the concentrations of a persistent substance in successively higher levels of the food chain.
nutrient	Any substance that promotes growth with living organisms
watershed	An area of land surface defined by a topographic divide that collects precipitation into a stream
emulsion	a liquid system in which one liquid is finely dispersed in another liquid in such a manner that the two will not separate through the action of gravity alone.
xeric shrubs	Shrubs that are adapted to survive in areas of low precipitation
hydration	The chemical combination of water into a substance.
pelage	The fur or other soft surface covering of a mammal.
turning basin	A widened area in a navigation channel or harbor area which is constructed to enable ships to maneuver in a safe and efficient manner.
discharge curve	A curve that expresses the relation between the discharge of a stream or open conduit at a given location and the stage or elevation of the liquid surface at or near that location
particulate loading	The mass of particulates per unit volume of water.
polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons	A group of highly reactive organic compounds, such as naphthalene and biphenyls, that are a common component of creosotes, which can be carcinogenic.
potential evapotranspiration	the amount of moisture which, if available, would be removed from a given land area by evapotranspiration, expressed in units of water depth.
headland	(1) A point of land, usually high and with a sheer drop, extending out into a body of water; a promontory
commodity prices	The price of goods which are supplied without qualitative differentiation across a market (such as petroleum, milk or copper)
labor	the mental and/or physical talents contributed by people for the production of goods or services lactose - a white organic substance made from milk that is used in infant foods, bakery products and confections; also used as a "culture" in laboratories landfill - an open area where trash is buried leach - to remove components from the soil by the action of water trickling through levees - dikes or other embankments which contain water within a given course local runoff - water running off a local area, such as rainfall draining into a nearby creek
stoke's law	A method to calculate the rate of fall of particles through a fluid, based on density, viscosity and particle size.
aquifer	a subsurface geological structure that contains water.
fluorescent stain	the use of fluorescent dyes to mark specific cell structures, such as chromosomes.
turbulent flow	(1) (Physics) The motion of a fluid having local velocities and pressures that fluctuate randomly
supercritical flow	flow characterized by high velocity and a Froude number greater than 1
building sewer	The sewer line that connects building wastewater sources to the public or street sewer, including lines serving homes, public buildings, commercial establishments and industry structures
headwater	the source of a stream or river.
viable	Alive and capable of continued life
sediment	The organic material that is transported and deposited by wind and water.
condensation funnel	A funnel-shaped cloud consisting of condensed water drops that has possible rotation.
hypolimnion	Cool, oxygen-deficient, bottom layer of a stratified water body; usually a seasonal phenomenon.
fen	peat - accumulating wetland that generally receives water from surface runoff and (or) seepage from mineral soils in addition to direct precipitation; generally alkaline; or slightly acid.
environmental stress	the damaging influence of human activities on the environment (for example, through pollution or consumption of natural resources) or that generated by natural events such as storms or droughts
groin	A small jetty extending from a shore to protect a beach against erosion or to trap shifting sands.
impact strength	the amount of energy required to fracture a material, usually measured by means of an Izod test or Charpy test
primary data	(Data Analysis) Typically, data acquired by direct interaction, such as direct observation through measurements, tabulation, or surveys
non-volatile solids	The quantity of solids in water, wastewater or other liquids, not lost by ignition of the dry solids at 600C
stratiform	Clouds composed of water droplets that exhibit no or have very little vertical development
salt balance	A condition in which specific or total dissolved solids removed from a specified field, stratigraphic zone, political area, or drainage basin equals the comparable dissolved solids added to that location from all outside sources during a specified period of time.
nitrogen	a plant nutrient that can cause an overabundance of bacteria and algae when high amounts are present, leading to a depletion of oxygen and fish kills
flood profile	A graph showing the relationship of water surface elevation to location, the latter generally expressed as distance above mouth for a stream of water flowing in an open channel
splashboard	(Nautical) A screen on a boat to keep water from splashing onto the deck
suspended solids	Solid organic or inorganic particles that are held in suspension in a solution.
placer	a surficial mineral deposit formed by mechanical concentration of mineral particles from weathered debris.
venturi flume	A calibrated measuring flume having a contracted throat section which produces a differential head that can be related to discharge.
sleet	Also known as ice pellets, it is winter precipitation in the form of small bits or pellets of ice that rebound after striking the ground or any other hard surface
infiltration	the downward movement of water from the atmosphere into soil or porous rock.
sanitary sewer	A sewer intended to carry only sanitary or sanitary and industrial wastewater from residences, commercial buildings, industrial parks, and institutions.
algal blooms	A rapidly increasing community or presence of algae in an aquatic environment or ecosystem.
moulin	A nearly vertical shaft or cavity worn in a glacier by surface or rock debris falling through a crack in the ice.
fluorosis	An abnormal condition caused by excessive intake of Fluorine, as from fluoridated drinking water, characterized chiefly by mottling of the teeth.
pre-emergence	stage in a plant life-cycle before seedlings emerge from the soil surface.
cross flow filtration	A process that uses opposite flows across a membrane surface to minimize particle build-up.
forced draft	Flue Gas
tailings pond	An excavated or diked area that is intended to contain liquid and solid wastes from mining and milling operations.
economic integration	The merging to varying degrees of the economies and economic policies of two or more countries in a given region.
habitat	the part of the physical environment in which a plant or animal lives.
chemical analysis	the determination of chemical structure and chemically active species in a subject
per-capita water use	The water produced by or introduced into the system of a water supplier divided by the total residential population; normally expressed in gallons per-capita per day (gpcd).
mgd	Million Gallons per Day - 694.4 gallons per minute.
nonpoint source controls	General phrase used to refer to all methods employed to control or reduce nonpoint source pollution.
activated carbon	Substance used in the water treatment process to remove dissolved organic matter from raw drinking water.
filtration	the process of passing a liquid or gas through a porous article or mass.
hyporheic zone	The area under the stream channel and floodplain where groundwater and the surface waters of a stream are exchanged freely.
chr	Kentucky Cabinet for Human Resources
beak	the raised part of the dorsal margin of the shell; also called the umbo
meander	A circuitous winding or bend in the river.
aquamarsh	A water body in which the original open water is nearly or completely obscured by emergent, and floating aquatic vegetation
aphytal	The plantless zone of a lake bottom
flood frequency	how often, on average, a discharge of a given magnitude occurs at a particular location on a stream
efficiency	The ratio of output per unit input or the effectiveness of performance of a system; in an ion exchange system, often expressed as the amount of regenerant required to produce a unit of capacity, such as the pounds of salt per kilograin of hardness removal.
hadley cell circulation	The generalized circuit of air mass movement occurring between the equator and 30° latitude (north and south of the equator)
delta	a collection of rocks and soil at the mouth of a river
contaminant	any substance which, if introduced into a potable water source, would render the water unsafe for human or animal consumption.
vfa	Volatile Fatty Acids - Volatile fatty acids are fatty acids with a carbon chain of six carbons or fewer
plasmolysis	Shrinkage or contraction of the protoplasm away from the wall of a living plant or bacterial cell, caused by loss of water through Osmosis.
fixation	The conversion of gaseous nitrogen to ammonia or nitrate.
tannin	Tannin is a common natural occurrence in well water
grab sample	A sample collected instantaneously with a glass or plastic bottle placed below the water surface to collect surface-water samples (also called dip samples).
collection timing	The pre-determined time period when MSW is collected from a location or pick-up point.
advanced wastewater treatment	any treatment of sewage that goes beyond the secondary or biological water treatment stage and includes the removal of nutrients such as phosphorus and nitrogen and a high percentage of suspended solids.
initial loss	Rainfall which precedes the beginning of surface runoff
gras	An acronym for the phrase "Generally Recognized As Safe" under sections 201(s) and 409 of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act.
granular activated carbon	The heating of carbon to encourage active sites to absorb pollutants.
flood forecasting	Prediction of stage, discharge, time of occurrence, and duration of a flood, especially of peak discharge at a specified point on a stream, resulting from precipitation and/or snowmelt.
collection frequency	The number of MSW collections made from a specific location within a given time period.
lotic environment	Characterizing aquatic communities found in running water
deforestation	The conversion of forested area to non-forested area through the removal of trees.
gas chromatograph	an instrument that identifies the molecular composition and concentrations of various chemicals in water and soil samples.
stream morphology	The form and structure of streams.
biodegradable	Organic matter that can be broken down by bacteria to more stable forms which will not create a nuisance or give off foul odors.
triazine herbicide	A class of herbicides containing a symmetrical triazine ring (a nitrogen-heterocyclic ring composed of three nitrogens and three carbons in an alternating sequence)
perforated	Describes material in which holes have been punched, such as the materials of which the center tube of a cartridge is made.
range condition	The state of the plant community on a range site in relation to the potential natural plant community for that site
prover tank	Vessel for proving the volumetric accuracy of positive displacement meters. Also called meter calibrating tank or meter proving tank.
armoring	A natural or artificial process where an erosion-resistant layer of relatively large particles is established on the surface of the streambed through the removal of finer particles by stream flow
flood	Flooding happens when a river has too much water in its channel
biological control	controlling a pest by the use of its natural enemies
ephemeral streams	Streams which flow only in direct response to precipitation and whose channel is at all times above the water table.
detritus	(1) The heavier mineral debris moved by natural water courses, usually in the form of Bed Load
pluvial	pertaining to precipitation.
phosphorus	An essential chemical food element that can contribute to the eutrophication of lakes and otherwater bodies
bed stability	occurs when the average elevation of the streambed does not change significantly over time
earthfill dam	A dam the main section of which is composed principally of earth, gravel, sand, silt, and clay
maximum sustainable yield	mutagenA chemical or physical agent (such as ultraviolet radiation) that is capable of inducing genetic mutations.
dehydrator	(1) A substance, such as sulfuric acid, that removes water
interstate carrier water supply	A source of water for drinking and sanitary use on planes, buses, trains, and ships operating in more than one state
parts per billion	the number of parts of a given substance in a billion parts of some other substance
opaque	A condition where a material, such as a cloud, blocks the passage of radiant energy, especially light
bathythermograph	An instrument designed to record water temperature as a function of depth.
cryogenic testing	the study of behavior of a material at temperatures below –200° C (-328° F).
district heating networks	Comprising a central production plant and a reticulated network, they provide heating and air conditioning to public and private institutions (schools, hospitals, offices and homes).
static	Fixed in position, resting, or without motion, as opposed to dynamic or moving.
elevation	The measure of height with respect to a point on the earth's surface above mean sea level
amprometric titration	a way of measuring concentrations of certain substances in water using the electric current that flows during a chemical reaction.
microbial	of or pertaining to microbes, single-celled organisms (e.g
act	A statute or law made by a legislative body.
suspended load	specific sediment particles maintained in the water column by turbulence and carried with the flow of water.
topography	The general configuration of the land surface including relief and position of natural and man-made features.
sound	A sound is a wide inlet of the sea or ocean that is parallel to the coastline; it often separates a coastline from a nearby island.
debris flow	A rapidly moving mass of rock fragments, soil, and mud, with more than half of the particles being larger than sand size.
water content of snow	The amount of liquid water contained in a snowpack
cold air funnel	Funnel clouds, usually short-lived, that develop from relatively small showers or thunderstorms when the air aloft is very in cold
phenolphthalein	An acid-base indicator which produces no color in an acid solution but turns pink or red in an alkaline solution.
escherichia coli	One of the members of the coliform groups of bacteria indicating fecal contamination
sewage	the total of organic waste and wastewater generated by residential and commercial establishments.
alkali	A substance which creates a bitter taste and a slippery feel when dissolved in water and will turn red litmus paper blue
mare's tail	The name given to thin, wispy cirrus clouds composed of ice crystals that appear as veil patches or strands, often resembling a horse's tail.
base	any substance which contains hydroxyl (OH) groups and furnishes hydroxide ions in solution; a molecular or ionic substance capable of combining with a proton to form a new substance; a substance that provides a pair of electrons for a covalent bond with an acid; a solution with a pH of greater than 7.
lacustrine deposits	Stratified materials deposited in lake waters and later become exposed either by the lowering of the water level or by the elevation of the land.
downgradient	the direction that groundwater flows; similar to "downstream" for surface water.
intertidal mudflat	Areas of accumulated sediment, dominantly of a clay or silt grain size exposed at low tide.
disinfection	The destruction of the larger portion of micro-organisms in or on a substance with the probability that all pathogenic bacteria are killed by the agent used.
gradually varied flow	(Hydraulics) Non-uniform flow in which depth of flow changes gradually through a reach
symbiosis	An association between two organisms of different species
crater lake	A lake formed in a crater
lactic acid bacteria	gram-positive, non-spore forming bacteria producing lactic acid as the major or sole product of fermentation
limiting nutrient	The plant nutrient present in lowest concentration relative to need: limits growth such that addition of the limiting nutrient will stimulate additional growth
conservation	the political/social/economic process by which the environment is protected and resources are used wisely.
surface water	Water on the surface of land, such as rivers, lakes, and ponds.
technology-based standards	(EPA) Effluent limitations applicable to direct and indirect sources which are developed on a category-by-category basis using statutory factors, not including water-quality effects.
evapotranspiration	The loss of water from the soil through vaporizing, both by direct evaporation and by transpiration from plants.
radionuclide	a radioactive particle, man-made or natural, with a distinct atomic weight number
dredging	The removal of material from the bottom of water bodies using a scooping machine
off-channel habitat	habitat, which is not part of the active channel, but connected to the main stream by a short channel
needle-leaved deciduous	Woody Gymnosperms (trees or shrubs) with needle-shaped or scale-like leaves that are shed during the cold or dry season; e.g., bald cypress (Taxodium distichum).
habitat conservation plan	A requirement under the Endangered Species Act (ESA) when economic development may result in harm to Threatened or Endangered Species
carbon dioxide	A gas present in the atmosphere and formed by the decay of organic matter; the gas in carbonated beverages; in water it forms carbonic acid.
aggradation	A progressive buildup or raising of the channel bed and floodplain due to sediment deposition
ngo	Legally constituted non-profit organisation created by natural or legal persons with no participation of any government representative
flow duration curve	A plot that shows the percentage of time that flow in a stream is likely to equal or exceed some specified value of interest.
hydraulic gradient	In general, the direction of groundwater flow due to changes in the depth of the water table.
landscape	(Geography) All the natural features, such as fields, hills, forests, and water that distinguish one part of the earth's surface from another part
soft water	Water that contains low concentrations of multivalent cations, such as calcium and magnesium
atex	Explosive Atmospheres
recovered paper	- Paper recovered for recycling into new paper products
phase	May be continuous, as the basic product flowing through a vessel; or discontinuous, as the material to be removed from the basic product. Both are distinct and separate.
chemodynamics	The study of the transport, conversion, and fate of chemical substances in air, water, or soil, including their movement from one medium to another.
aquifer	A geological formation, group of formations, or portion of a formation capable of yielding significant quantities of groundwater to springs or wells.
world environment day	Celebrated each year on 5 June, WED is one of the principal vehicles through which the United Nations stimulates worldwide awareness of the environment and enhances political attention and action.
commercial/retail waste	Material discarded by stores, offices, restaurants, warehouses, non-manufacturing activities at industrial facilities and other similar establishments or facilities.
anti-seepage collar	a device constructed of light gauge metal, heavy polyethylene on a frame or concrete and placed around the outside of an outlet pipe used in areas of unstable soil to prevent bank washout and HADD to fish habitat
preservative	a chemical added to a water sample to keep it stable and prevent compounds in it from changing to other forms or to prevent microorganism densities from changing prior to analysis.
critical habitat	Areas which are essential to the conservation of an officially-listed endangered or threatened species and which may require special management considerations or protection.
buoy	(Nautical) A float, often having a bell or light, moored in water as a warning of danger or as a marker for a channel
salinity	The presence of soluble minerals in water.
rainfall intensity frequency	The average time interval between the occurrence of the rainfall or precipitation of a given or greater intensity.
artificial substrate	A device placed in the water for a specified period of time that provides living spaces for a multiplicity of organisms; for example, glass slides, concrete blocks, multi-plate samplers, or rock baskets; used primarily to collect organisms in areas where the physical habitat is limiting or cannot be adequately sampled using conventional methods.
vein	hollow tube that carries blood back to the heart.
poverty line	A measure of the money income required to attain a basic minimal standard of living – enough to purchase a nutritionally adequate food supply and to provide for other essential requirements.
tree line	The dividing point, caused by changing latitudes or altitudes, between areas with environmental conditions supporting trees and those that do not
head	the pressure of a fluid owing to its elevation, usually expressed in feet of head or in pounds per square inch, since a measure of fluid pressure is the height of a fluid column above a given or known point.
watt	A unit of power or the rate of energy use or conversion when one joule of energy (0.0238 calories) is used or converted per second.
water resistance	measured ability to retard both penetration and wetting by water in liquid form; ability of part to resist deformation of change in color with immersion in water.
steady flow	Flow in which the rate remains constant with respect to time at a given cross-section.
prescriptive water rights	Water rights which are acquired by diverting water and putting it to use in accordance with specified procedures, e.g., filing a request with a state agency to use unused water in a stream, river, or lake.
aqueous solubility	The maximum concentration of a chemical that dissolves in a given amount of water.
frost	a covering of minute ice crystals on a cold surface.
operation and maintenance	The period following construction of a remedy during which elements of the remedy must be operated and maintained
performance monitoring	Measuring the performance of a service on an on-going basis, in order to encourage the efficient use of available resources.
chemical stability	Resistance to chemical change which ion exchange resins must posses despite contact with aggressive solutions.
cape	(1) A point or head of land projecting into a body of water
abutment	the end of a dam, or other structure, consisting of a wall of natural formation
asphaltene	a product of oxidation found in some crude oil residue, in asphalt and in high temperature sludge; soluble in aromatic solvents but not soluble in naptha; components of bitumen in petroleum, petroleum products, asphalt cements and solid native bitumens.
bank-full channel depth	the maximum depth of a channel within a rifle segment when flowing at a bank-full discharge.
agricultural drainage	(1) The process of directing excess water away from the root zones of plants by natural or artificial means, such as by using a system of pipes and drains placed below ground surface level
ravine	(1) A deep, narrow valley or gorge in the earth's surface worn by running water
siltation	the deposition or accumulation of silt (or small-grained material) in a body of water.
anaerobic organism	An organism that can thrive in the absence of oxygen (air), such as bacteria in a septic tank.
furrow stream	The size of water flow released into the furrow; the size of the stream is adjusted to prevent erosion, limited in amount to the capacity of the furrow, and as needed for the intake rates of the soil involved.
productivity	the rate of accumulation of organic material in an ecosystem or the rate of change in the physical agricultural production of a unit of land, as described by yield (tonnes/ha) per year
random variable	(Statistics) A variable characterized by random behavior in assuming its different possible values
molding	the making of a form made of sand, metal or other material that contains the cavity into which molten metal is poured to produce a casting of definite shape and outline.
evaporation pan	An open tank used to contain water for measuring the amount of evaporation
mare liberum	A navigable body of water, such as a sea, that is open to navigation by vessels of all nations.
map	The average amount of precipitation (measured in mm or cm) for a given area in a given year.
hydrologic unit	(1) A geographic area representing part or all of a surface drainage basin or distinct hydrologic feature
parasites	organism that obtains nourishment from another living organism (the host)
tide pool	Habitat in the rocky intertidal zone that retains some water at low tide.
perchloroethene	See Tetrachloroethene
equilibrium reaction	A chemical reaction which proceeds primarily in one direction until the concentrations of reactants and products reach an equilibrium.
fish screen	A porous barrier placed across the inlet our outlet of a pond to prevent the passage of fish.
surface water	All water on the surface of the earth, as distinguished from groundwater.
wimple	A ripple, as on the surface of water.
management bmps	BMPs that primarily involve a change in management practices, such as changing the timing, method, and/or amount of the application of a potential pollutant in order to reduce the chance of its contaminating water resources.
zooplankton	Tiny aquatic animals eaten by fish.
cypress ponds	Ponds or lakes characterized by growths of cypress (Taxodium spp.).
weep-holes	(Engineering) Openings left in retaining walls, aprons, linings, or foundations to permit drainage and reduce pressure
saturated flow	The liquid flow of water in soils that occurs when the soil pores in the wettest part of the soil are completely filled with water and the direction of flow is from the wettest zone of higher potential to one of lower potential.
photoautotroph	chemosynthesis: Autotrophic productivity that utilizes energy released during the oxidation of certain inorganic chemicals (such as sulphides) to drive biosynthesis
baseline	Conditions prior to change.
desertification	The process of becoming desert (as from land management or climate change)
fog bank	A fairly well-defined mass of fog observed in the distance
secondarily improved pastures	Livestock pasture areas that have not been intensively land leveled or serviced by modern conveyance structures
streamflow regulation	The artificial manipulation of the flow of a stream.
alkaline	Sometimes water or soils contain an amount of Alkali substances sufficient to raise the pH value above 7.0 and be harmful to the growth of crops
mesophyte	A plant that grows under medium or usual conditions of atmospheric moisture supply, as distinguished from one which grows under dry or desert conditions (Xerophyte) or very wet conditions (Hydrophyte).
et	evapotranspiration
river	A river is a naturally winding watercourse that drains surplus water from a drainage basin.
drains	A vertical well or borehole, usually downstream of impervious cores, grout curtains, or cutoffs, designed to collect and direct seepage through or under a dam to reduce uplift pressure under or within the dam
loch	A lake; also, a bay or arm of the sea especially when nearly landlocked.
morphology	The form, shape, or structure of a stream or organism.
alluvium	sediments deposited by erosional processes, usually by streams.
kame	A conical hill or short irregular ridge of gravel or sand deposited in contact with glacial ice.
stream	A general term for a body of flowing water; natural water course containing water at least part of the year
species diversity	Refers to the variety of species that exists (or is thought to exist) within a region
detergent	Synthetic washing agent that helps to remove dirt and oil
lithia water	Mineral water containing lithium salts.
soap	One of a class of chemical compounds which possesses cleaning properties, formed by the reaction of a fatty acid with a base or alkali
sediment yield	That amount of sediment transported by a stream system that may be measurable at a particular location
tile drainage outlet	a pipe placed at suitable depths and spacings in the soil or subsoil to provide water outlets from the soil
ferrite content	an arbitrary, standardized value designating the amount of ferritein a stainless steel weld metal.
nonpersistent emergent plants	emergent plants whose leaves and stems break down at the end of the growing season from decay or by the physical forces of waves and ice; at certain seasons, there are no visible traces of the plants above the surface of the water.
autooxidation	oxidation caused by the atmosphere; an oxidation reaction that is self-catalyzed and spontaneous; an oxidation reaction begun only by an inductor.
ecosystem	the relationship between all the parts (living and non-living) within an environmental community.
refraction	The bending of light or radar beam as it passes through a zone of contrasting properties, such as atmospheric density, water vapor, or temperature.
regeneration level	The quantity of regenerant used in regeneration of an ion exchange unit or system, usually expressed in pounds per regeneration and/or pounds per regeneration per cubic foot of ion exchange.
anaerobic bacteria	Microorganisms that live and reproduce in an environment containing no "free" or dissolved oxygen
microgrant	A financial grant aimed at funding the piloting of new and promising transboundary initiatives, on the development and dissemination of best practices, and on exchanges of lessons learned in environmental and natural resource management.
unsteady flow	Flow that is changing with respect to time.
landtype	A land system with a designated soil, vegetation, geology, topography, climate, and drainage situation.
total solids	The weight of all solids, dissolved and suspended, organic and inorganic, per unit volume of water; usually determined b the evaporation of a measured volume of water at 105o C in a preweighed dish.
receptacle load	the total demand on an electrical system from all power equipment.
flood	High water flow or an overflow of rivers or streams from their natural or artificial banks, inundating adjacent low lying areas.
levee	An embankment constructed to prevent a river from overflowing (flooding).
hydraulic mining	Mining by washing sand and dirt away with water, leaving the desired mineral.
altimeter	An instrument used to determine the altitude of an object with respect to a fixed level
slope wash	Soil and rock material that is being or has been moved down a slope predominantly by the action of gravity assisted by running water that is not concentrated into channels
sediment	soil and rock particles in water that settle out as water slows down.
nonpersistent emergents	Emergent Hydrophytes whose leaves and stems break down at the end of the growing season so that most above-ground portions of the plants are easily transported by currents, waves, or ice
half-life	The time required for a pollutant to lose one-half of its original concentraton.
well development	The application of a surging or brushing process to a well in order to draw fine material from the aquifer next to the well and increase its discharge capacity.
berm	(1) A narrow ledge or path as at the top or bottom of a slope, stream bank, or along a beach
qhse	Quality, Health, Safety, Environment
geomorphology	the science that treats the general configuration of the Earth's surface; the description of landforms.
inorganic matter	Matter which is not derived from living organisms and contains no organically produced carbon; includes rocks, minerals and metals.
ground water prime supply	The long-term average annual percolation to the major ground water basins from precipitation falling on the land and from flows in rivers and streams
annular space	the space between two concentric cylindrical objects, one of which surrounds the other, such as the space between the walls of a drilled hole and a casing.
thermoduric	refers to any organism with the ability to withstand those temperatures which are lethal for most vegetative organisms; for example, some strains of Microbacterium survive 70-80° C for 15 minutes
pier	a platform extending from a shore over water into navigable water for use as a landing place or promenade to protect or form a harbor
average annual runoff	The average of water-year (October 1-September 30) runoff or the supply of water produced by a given stream or water development project for a total period of record; measured in cubic feet per second or acre-feet.
weather	day to day variation in atmospheric conditions
sulfonic acid	A specific acidic group (SO3H) which gives certain cation exchange resins their ion exchange capability.
indigenous knowledge	The long-standing traditions, practices, wisdom, teachings and knowledge of local or indigenous communities (See traditional knowledge).
liquefied petroleum gas	hydrocarbons, gaseous at normal temperature and pressure, liquefied by pressure for storage and transport as butane and propane gases.
obligation	includes a requirement, restriction, limitation, condition and duty.
initial water deficiency	The quantity, usually expressed in depth of water in inches on a unit area, by which the actual water content of a given soil zone (usually the Root Zone) is exceeded by the field capacity of that zone at the beginning of the rainy season
precipitation	Water from rain, hail, sleet, or snow.
defoliation	the loss of leaves from trees, shrubs or other plants, e.g., caused by feeding from leaf-chewing pests or by injury from herbicides.
beach profile	side view of a beach extending from the top of the dune line into the sea.
bathythermograph	A device used to obtain a record of temperature against depth (pressure) in the ocean
calcium	No specific recommendation, but high calcium is associated with hardness, total dissolved solids problems and can cause aesthetic problems.
soil erodibility	An indicator of a soil's susceptibility to raindrop impact, runoff, and other eroding processes.
arch dam	Curved masonry or concrete dam, convex in shape upstream, that depends on arch action for its stability; the load or water pressure is transferred by the arch to the Abutments
refuse-derived fuels	Product of a mixed MSW processing system in which certain recyclable and not combustible materials are removed and the remaining combustible material is converted for use as a fuel to generate energy.
surface runoff	That part of the runoff which travels over the soil surface to the nearest stream channel
polyphosphate	A sequestering agent used to tie up hardness and iron in solution
intermittent stream	A stream that carries water only part of the time, generally in response to periods of heavy runoff either from snowmelt or storms
non-destructive testing	testing to detect internal and concealed defects in materials using techniques that do not damage or destroy the items being tested; x-rays, isotropic radiation and ultrasonics are frequently used.
water losses	Water which is unavailable or lost from a particular containment system.
reservoir	pond, lake or basin (natural or artificial) for the storage and control of water. Lake Pleasant, Saguaro, Apache, Canyon and Roosevelt Lakes are some of the reservoirs for storing the Valley's water.
idr	innovative design request
nematicide	A pesticide that is used to kill nematodes in plants or soil.(Chemicals that kill nematodes for medical or veterinary applications are termed "anthelmintics"; they are classed as pharmaceuticals and so are not included in the Compendium.)
micrograms per liter	One one-thousandth of a Milligram per Liter (mg/l)
erosion	The wearing away and removal of weathered land surfaces by natural agents such as rain, running water, wind, temperature changes and bacteria.
consumptive waste	Water that returns to the atmosphere without providing benefit to humans.
rankine scale	A scale of absolute temperature using Fahrenheit degrees, in which the freezing point of water is 491.69Â° and the boiling point of water is 671.69Â°
consumptive use	the quantity of water not available for reuse
hydrosphere	Region that includes all the earth's liquid water, frozen water, floating ice, frozen upper layer of soil, and the small amounts of water vapour in the atmosphere.
heat wave	A period of abnormally and uncomfortably hot weather
cattail	A tall, reedy marsh plant with brown furry fruiting spikes; an Emergent Plant.
heavy metals	Metals with high atomic weights, such as mercury, chromium, cadmium, arsenic, and lead
operating criteria	Design and institutional criteria that determine the operating limits of a water system.
micron	See micrometer.
lake	a standing body of water surrounded by land which undergoes thermal stratification and turnover by mixing.
stringer	A long, narrow line of vegetation, usually following a stream channel or bottom of a draw.
woody debris	Coarse wood material such as twigs, branches, logs, trees, and roots that fall into streams.
turbid	thick or opaque with matter in suspension
surface water withdrawals	Includes all waters taken from streams, rivers, ponds, lakes, reservoirs, springs and all effluent and other waste water.
sediment	material carried in suspension by a flowing body of water and which will ultimately settle to the bottom as water velocity decreases
land reconstruction	(Mining) (1) Restoring land and water areas adversely affected by past mining practices and increasing the productivity of the areas for a beneficial use
aerodynamic	Refers to forces acting upon the soil or crop surface by moving air.
drizzle	Rather uniform precipitation consisting exclusively of minute and very numerous drops of water less than 0.02 inches (0.51 mm) in diameter, which seem to float in and follow even the slightest motion of the air
asbestos tailings	Any solid waste that contain asbestos and is a product of asbestos mining or milling operations.
groundwater prime supply	Long-term average annual percolation into major groundwater basins from percolation into major groundwater basins from precipitation falling on the land and from flows in rivers and streams.
continental shelf	The submerged shelf of land that slopes gradually from the exposed edge of a continent for a variable distance to the point where the steeper descent (the Continental Slope) to the ocean bottom begins, commonly at a depth of about 600 feet (183 meters).
evapotranspiration	the sum of evaporation and transpiration.
naiad	a freshwater mussel navigation channel - an artificially maintained waterway that ensures a minimum water depth to allow unimpeded passage for a variety of vessels
total chlorine	The total concentration of chlorine in a water, including combined and free chlorine
normal solution	A solution containing a gram equivalent weight of a substance in one liter of solution
technical assistance	The provision of specialised technical resources, often under international arrangements to an organisation to assist it to achieve its objectives as to build internal capacity through training or improved management systems.
flood stage	elevation at which overflow of the natural banks of a water course begins.
vascular plant	Any of various plants, such as the ferns and seed-bearing plants, in which the phloem transports sugar and the xylem transports water and salts.
participatory planning	A planning approach in which all stakeholders, and in particular the envisaged beneficiaries are part of the decision process.
water treatment	A method of cleaning water for a specific purpose, such as drinking.
microbiology	The study of organisms that can be seen only with the aid of a microscope
feet per second	A measure of the velocity of moving water.
newhall winds	The local name for winds blowing downward from desert uplands through the Newhall Pass southward into the San Fernando Valley, north of Los Angeles.
felling	The process of cutting down standing trees.
ferrous iron	Usually ferrous hydroxide which when dissolved in water produces a clear solution
inflow	Entry of extraneous rain water into a sewer system from sources other than infiltration, such as basement drains, manholes, storm drains, and street washing.
total analysis	Analytical method used to determine the total concentration of an analyte in a sample, as opposed to the concentration of an analyte in a leachate.
levee	A raised bank, natural or man-made, that contains the water within a river channel
mutual inhibition	A network architecture that consists of two interacting pathways in which the output of each pathway inhibits the activity of the other pathway.
nuisance species	undesirable plants and animals, commonly exotic species.
siltation	Deposition of silt-sized particles.
reserves	amount of a particular resource in known locations that can be extracted at a profit with present technology and prices.
residue	the dry solids remaining after the evaporation of a sample of water or sludge.
off-channel pond	a pond, not part of the active channel, but connected to the main stream by a short channel
wilderness	'a large tract of land remote at its core from mechanised access or settlement, substantially unmodified by modern technological society or capable of being restored to that state, and of a sufficient size to make practicable its long-term protection of its natural systems'
dehydratase	(Biochemistry) An Enzyme that catalyzes the removal of oxygen and hydrogen from organic compounds in the form of water.
carnivore	Organisms that feed on other animals.
regeneration level	The quantity of regenerant used in the regeneration of an ion exchange unit or system, usually expressed in pounds per regeneration and/or pounds per regeneration per cubic foot of ion exchanger.
revetment	Shore protection structure made with stones/ rock laid on a sloping face.
rill	a small channel eroded into the soil by surface runoff; can be easily smoothed out or obliterated by normal tillage.
meromictic lake	A lake in which some water remains partly or wholly unmixed with the main water mass at circulation periods
channelization	the straightening and/or deepening of a river channel
river stage	The elevation of the water surface at a specified station above some arbitrary zero datum (level).
sophisticated mswm system	This system of MSWM is aimed to avoid generation of MSW as the highest priority and/or to reduce MSW generation by introducing separation at the source
verglas	A thin coating of ice, as on rock.
recharge	the process involved in the absorption and addition of water to the zone of saturation; also, the amount of water added.
operational concept	Mode of operating a canal with respect to location of priorities; usually supply oriented (upstream concept) or demand oriented (downstream concept).
eutrophic	having a large or excessive supply of plant nutrients (nitrates and phosphates)
microbe	microscopic organisms such as algae, animals, viruses, bacteria, fungus and protozoa, some of which cause diseases.
quicksilver water	a solution of mercury nitrate used in gilding.
backwater	(1) A small, generally shallow body of water attached to the main channel, with little or no current of its own, or (2) A condition in subcritical flow where the water surface elevation is raised by downstream flow impediments.
intermediate zone	The subsurface water zone below the Root Zone and above the Capillary Fringe.
coloureds	In the South African, Namibian, Zambian, Botswana and Zimbabwean context, the term Coloured (also known as Bruinmense, Kleurlinge or Bruin Afrikaners in Afrikaans) refers or referred to an ethnic group of mixed-race people who possess some sub-Saharan African ancestry.
cation exchange	A chemical process in which Cations of like charge are exchanged equally between a solid, such as zeolite, and a solution, such as water
hydroelectric	Having to do with production of electricity by water power from falling water.
natural experiment	mantle: A less-dense region that encloses Earth's core, and composed of minerals in a hot, plastic state known as magma.
hyporheic zone	The area under the stream channel and flood plain where groundwater and the surface waters of the stream are exchanged freely.
qualitative analysis	(Data Analysis) The examination or analysis of a phenomenon to determine its qualitative characteristics versus its quantitative characteristics, i.e., characteristics for which precise numerical identification are not appropriate
trophic structure	the feeding relationships among species within a food web.
criteria	Standards rules or tests on which a decision can be based.
suspended solids	Solid particles in water which are not in solution.
alkaline	1) The opposite of acid, also called basic; having a high pH value and thus a low concentration of hydrogen ions and a high concentration of hydroxide ions
calm	Atmospheric conditions devoid of wind or any other air motion
oxidizer	(1) A substance (compound) that will accept electrons from another compound, thus changing (oxidizing) the other compound
faucet	A device for regulating the flow of a liquid from a reservoir such as a pipe or drum.
aquiclude	a formation which, although porous and capable of absorbing water slowly, will not transmit water fast enough to furnish an appreciable supply for a well or a spring.
motif	A subcircuit that is embedded in a larger network and that is found to be statistically overrepresented in that larger network when compared with a random network with similar graphical properties.
nontarget damage	nuclear fuel: Unstable isotopes of uranium (235U) and plutonium (239Pu) that decay through fission, releasing large amounts of energy that can be used to generate electricity.
run	The straight fast-moving section of a stream between riffles.
saltation	Particle movement in water or wind where particles skip or bounce along the stream bed or soil surface.
osmotic pressure	The pressure and potential energy difference that exists between solutions on either side of a semi-permeable membrane
particulate	Relating to minute, separate particles.
ansi	Abbreviation for American National Standards Institute.
chemical analysis	the use of a standard chemical analytical procedures to determine the concentration of a specific analyte in a sample, or qualitatively or quantitatively measure a specific parameter of a sample.
reclamation withdrawal	A withdrawal of public lands in connection with a reclamation project.
biosphere	The transition zone between the earth and the atmosphere within which most terrestrial life forms are found
colvin algorithm	A canal flow control structure technique that operates the gates based on the rate of deviation of the water surface level from the setpoint.
facultative phreatophyte	Plants that utilize moisture from groundwater for a portion of their water requirements.
gully erosion	The widening, deepening, and headcutting of small channels and waterways due to erosion; severe erosion in which trenches are cut to a depth greater than 30 centimeters (approximately one foot)
effluent	(1) Something that flows out or forth, especially a stream flowing out of a body of water
holding medium	(Water Quality) A special fluid employed for maintaining fecal bacteria in a viable state between the time that water samples are processed by filtration and the time that the filters used to remove the bacteria from water can be incubated properly
absolute humidity	The actual weight of water vapor contained in a unit volume of the atmosphere, usually expressed in grams of water per kilogram of air
organelles	these species manufacture photosynthetic pigments but lack chloroplasts, the specialized photosynthetic organelles in higher plants, in some situations an increase in blue-green algae can indicate an environmental stress such as pollution.
feature	Something tangible that provides a service to society in one form or another or, more simply, benefits certain aspects of society by its very existence
direct current	a non-oscillating current that flows continually in one direction through a circuit
pan	(1) A basin or depression in the earth, often containing mud or water
wettability	the degree to which a fluid will spread into or coat a solid surface in the presence of other fluids into which it will not dissolve.
water act	a provincial government Act regulating water resources in British Columbia.
environment	All of the external factors, conditions, and influences that affect an organism or a community.
water yield	Runoff, including ground water outflow that appears in the stream, plus ground water outflow that leaves the basin underground
watershed	an area of land that contributes runoff to a specific delivery point such as the mouth of a river
hydrokinetics	The branch of physics having to do with fluids in motion.
backbar channel	A channel formed behind a bar connected to the main channel but usually at a higher bed elevation than the man channel
stream power	a measure of energy available to move sediment, or any other particle in a stream channel
enrichment	The addition of nutrients, such as nitrogen and phosphorus and carbon compounds, into a lake or waterway to the point that the Trophic Level is greatly increased because of the stimulation of the growth of algae and other aquatic plants.
median	The middle or central value in a distribution of data ranked in order of magnitude
diffusion	The movement of a substance from an area of high concentration to an area of low concentration
gallon	A common unit of liquid volume; the U.S
latitude	The measurement of distance north or south of the equator.
ground wire	a conductor leading from electrical equipment to a low resistance connection with the earth.
pulper	- Unit for defibrating (slushing) pulps and paper machine broke, usually at the wet end of the paper machine
softening	the removal of hardness—calcium and magnesium—from water.
bank-full capacity	the rate of water flow that completely fills a channel; the flow rate at which the water surface is level with the flood plain.
littoral zone	(1) The shallow area near the shore of a non-flowing body of water; that portion of a body of fresh water extending from the shoreline lakeward to the limit of occupancy of rooted plants
energy recovery	Obtaining energy from MSW through a variety of processes (eg combustion.)
reforestation	The process of restoring and replacing tree cover from areas where deforestation of forested areas has occurred.
anaerobic biological treatment	any waste treatment process utilizing anaerobic or facultative organisms in the absence of air to reduce the organic matter in water.
conventional systems	(Water Quality) Systems that have been traditionally used to collect municipal wastewater in gravity sewers and convey it to a central primary or secondary treatment plant prior to discharge to surface waters.
amp	Asset Management Plan – the Water Industry 5 yearly investment cycle.
steady-state mass balance	the mathematical concept that the sum of upstream pollutant loads, each determined by the product of their concentration times flow, equals a resultant downstream load after mixing.
coagulant aid	A material which is not a coagulant, but which improves the effectiveness of a coagulant, often by forming larger or heavier particles, speeding the reactions, or permitting reduced coagulant dosage.
saturated flow	Underground water flow where void spaces in the soil or rock are filled completely with water.
sampling station	a location where samples are tapped (taken) for analysis.
bank stability	The ability of a streambank to counteract erosion or gravitational forces.
pool	A deep reach of a stream
hail	a form of precipitation which forms into balls or lumps of ice over 0.2 inch in diameter
water supplier	One who owns or operates a Public Water System (PWS).
marine sanitation device	Any equipment or process installed on board a vessel to receive, retain, treat, or discharge sewage.
discharge	The volume of water passing through a section of channel during a specified period of time, which is usually measured in cubic feet per second (cfs) or cubic meters per second (m3/sec).
log deck	Also called log landing, log yard, brow or bunching area
gas	a fluid having neither independent shape nor volume, but tending to expand indefinitely
pest	integrated forest management: Forest management plans that accommodate the need to harvest timber from landscapes, while also sustaining other values, such as hunted wildlife, outdoor recreation, and biodiversity.
frost heave	Ruptured soil, rock, or pavement caused by the expansion of freezing water immediately beneath the surface.
uniformity coefficient	A measure of the variation in particle sizes of ion exchange resins and filter media
slack water	(1) The period at high or low tide when there is no visible flow of water
anaerobic bacteria	bacteria which cannot grow in the presence of free or atmospheric oxygen.
playa	a dry, flat area at the lowest part of an undrained desert basin in which water accumulates and is quickly evaporated; underlain by stratified clay, silt, or sand and commonly by soluble salts; term used in Southwestern United States.
reuse	Operation whereby a product or component designed and manufactured for a specific purpose is used again for the same or a different purpose
certified water right	A state-issued document that serves as legal evidence that an approved application has been physically developed and the water put to beneficial use
flammability	those characteristics of a material that pertain to its relative ease of ignition and relative ability to sustain combustion
marl	A mixture of clays, carbonates of calcium and magnesium, and remnants of shells, forming a loam useful as a fertilizer.
settle	To cause to sink, become compact, or come to rest; to cause a liquid to become clear by forming a Sediment.
british thermal unit	A unit of heat energy equal to the amount of heat required to raise the temperature of one pound of water one degree Fahrenheit
weathering	to break down rock naturally; water, growing plants, heat, cold, and ice all weather rocks; over many years weathering turns rock into soil.
primary treatment	First (sometimes the only) stage of wastewater treatment to remove large solids
residual sodium carbonate	The excess milliequivalents of carbonate and bicarbonate over the milliequivalents of calcium and magnesium in a sample of water, where:RSC = ( CO3-2 + HCO3-2 ) â ( Ca+2 + Mg+2 )where all concentrations are expressed in milliequivalents per liter (meq/l)
snow sampler	An instrument used in obtaining snow samples, which consists of a set of light, jointed metal tubes for taking samples and a spring scale graduated to read directly the corresponding depth of water contained in the sample.
acre-inch	The volume of water or solids that will cover one acre to a depth of one inch, equivalent to 3,630 cubic feet or 102.7 cubic meters.
digester	Biological reactor in which the reaction is controlled to transform biomass and to enable biogas production
live fascine	Bound, elongated, cylindrical bundles (6 to 8 inches in diameter) of live branch cuttings used to stabilize stream banks that are placed in shallow trenches, partly covered with soil, and staked in place, also referred to as wattle.
effluent	The liquid discharged from a wastewater system component.
plastic soil	A soil capable of being molded or deformed continuously and permanently, by relatively moderate pressure into various shapes.
submergent plant	A vascular or nonvascular Hydrophyte, either rooted or nonrooted, which lies entirely beneath the water surface, except for flowering parts in some species; e.g., wild celery (Vallisneria americana) or the stoneworts (Chara spp.).
skew t-log p diagram	A thermodynamic diagram, using the temperature and the logarithm of pressure as coordinates
yeast	any of a number of microscopic, one-celled fungi important for their ability to ferment carbohydrates in various substances
pumping-generating plant	A plant at which the turbine-driven generators can also be used as motor-driven pumps.
nautical mile	A unit of length used in sea and air navigation, based on the length of one minute of arc of a great circle, especially an international and U.S
acute toxicity	Toxic effects which can cause rapid (acute) deleterious effects on biological (human, animal, plant) systems.
field diversion	An interception channel near the contour to carry runoff to a waterway
combustion /burning	A natural chemical process which rapidly breaks down organic materials [largely composed of Carbon (C), Oxygen (O), and Hydrogen (H)] into more stable compounds [largely carbon dioxide CO2 and water vapor H2O] while releasing heat energy from the break down of the organic compound
minimum reporting level	The smallest measured concentration of a constituent that may be reliably reported using a given analytical method
basin states	States that are part of a special river system.
dominant plant	the plant species controlling the environment.
internal broke	- off-specification paper that is repulped and used at the same site, not considered secondary fiber.
drakensberg mountains	The highest mountain range in Southern Africa, rising to 3,482 metres in height.
sanitary survey	An on-site review of the water sources, facilities, equipment, operation and maintenance of a public water system to evaluate the adequacy of those elements for producing and distributing safe drinking water.
aquaculture	the science of farming organisms that live in water, such as fish, shellfish, and algae.
downpour	A heavy fall of rain.
catalyst	a substance that alters the velocity of a chemical reaction and may be recovered essentially unaltered in form and amount at the end of the reaction.
animal waste management	A planned process of collection, storage and application of domestic animal waste to the land.
athalassohaline lake	A term used to describe a saline lake which is not of marine origin
proton	a sub-atomic particle, positively charged, in the nucleus of atoms.
current	The flow of the river.
flood peak	The highest magnitude of the stage of discharge attained by a flood
closed-loop recycling	Recycling or reusing wastewater for non-potable purposes in an enclosed process.
sedimentary cycle	biogeochemical cycle in which materials primarily are moved from land to sea and back again.
flood duration curve	A cumulative frequency curve that shows the percentage of time that specified discharges are equaled or exceeded.
pyrogens	Substances which produce fever when introduced into humans
creationists	scientific method: This begins with the identification of a question involving the structure or function of the natural world, usually using inductive logic
voltage	the electrical pressure (electromotive force) that makes current flow through a conductor.
up-flow	An upward flow of water.
summer kill	The complete or partial kill of a fish population in ponds, lakes, or reservoirs during the warm months caused by a combination of factors to include excessively warm water, a depletion of dissolved oxygen, and the release of toxic substances from a decaying algal bloom
watershed	See drainage basin.
mermaid	a fabled marine creature usually represented as having the head, trunk, and arms of a woman and a lower part like the tail of a fish.
plain	A large area of nearly flat land which does not have any significant hills.
environmental effects monitoring	The repetitive and systematic measurement of environmental components to test specific hypotheses regarding the effects of human activity on the environment.
seacock	(Nautical) A valve in the hull of a boat or ship that may be opened to let in water so as to flood a ballast tank, for example.
hydraulic jump	The rapid change in the depth of flow from a low stage to a high stage, resulting in an abrupt rise of water surface.
easement	Also called utility easement, this is a portion of land, shared by a property owner and a public agency that contains a public utility, such as a sewer pipeline.
enteric viruses	A category of viruses related to human excreta found in waterways.
ekman dredge	A dredge that has opposable jaws operated by a messenger traveling down a cable to release a spring catch and that is used in ecology for sampling the bottom of a body of water.
saturated zone	The zone in the earth's crust, extending from the water table downward, in which all open pore spaces in the soil or rock are filled with water at greater than atmospheric pressure
sump	(1a) A low-lying place, such as a pit, that receives drainage; (1b) A cesspool
cavern	a large underground opening in rock (usually limestone) which occurred when some of the rock was dissolved by water
outfall	The place where effluent is discharged into receiving waters.
channel	An area that contains continuously or periodically flowing water that is confined by banks and a streambed.
enrichment	Uranium Enrichment is the process used to increase in the percentage of the fissile isotope U-235.
bacteria	Unicellular microorganisms which typically reproduce by cell division
habitat	The native environment or specific surroundings where a plant or animal naturally grows or lives
salt sink	A body of water too salty for most freshwater uses.
milligrams per liter	A unit expressing the concentration of chemical constituents in solution as weight (milligrams) of solute per unit volume (liter) of water; equivalent to one part per million in most streamwater and ground water.
watercourse bed	That portion of the watercourse which carries water at ordinary stages.
reef	A strip or ridge of rocks, sand, or coral that rises to, or near the surface of a body of water.
thermocline	fairly thin zone in a lake that separates an upper warmer zone (epilimnion) from a lower colder zone (hypolimnion).
microgram per liter	Also known as parts per billion (ppb)
dust contamination	the act of contaminating with dust particles
stream terrace	A surface representing remnants of a stream's channel or flood plain when the stream was flowing at a higher level
hardness	A property of water which causes an increase in the amount of soap that is needed to produce foam or lather and that also produces scale in hot water pipes, heaters, boilers and other units in which the temperature of water is increased materially
aquitard	a low-permeability layer of rock or clay that can store water but transmits it very slowly from aquifer to another.
average annual recharge	The amount of water entering an aquifer on an average annual basis
postchlorination	The application of chlorine to a water following other water treatment processes
clayey	Resembling or containing clay.
moderate flood hazard areas	Areas between the 100-year and the 500-year flood boundaries are termed Moderate Flood Hazard Areas
impervious surface	A surface such as pavement that cannot be easily penetrated by water.
acre-foot	A quantity or volume of water covering 1 acre to a depth of 1 ft; equal to 43,560 ft3, or 325,851 gal.
runoff	that part of precipitation or snowmelt that appears in streams or surface-water bodies.
intertropical convergence zone	Zone of rising air masses and low atmospheric pressure located at or near the equator
nrepc	Natural Resources & Environmental Protection Cabinet
snowcap	Snow covering a mountain peak, especially such snow existing year-round.
sediment	the solid material that settles from a liquid; for example mud will sink and settle at the bottom of a river or stream because it is heavier than water Settling Pond
isohyet	The line drawn through geographic points recording equal amounts of rainfall during a given time or for a given of storm.
monitoring	Repeated observation, measurement, or sampling at a site, on a scheduled or event basis, for a particular purpose.
deep seepage	That portion of applied irrigation water that, in excess of the leaching requirement, passes through the rooting zone and is subsequently unavailable for crop use.
malnutrition	A condition caused by an imbalance between what an individual eats and what is required to maintain health
image	The representation of an object produced by the reflection or refraction of light when focused by a lens or mirror
body water content	That portion of the human body composed of water; expressed as a percentage of total body volume
finite volume	a method of solving the governing equations of a numerical model by dividing the spatial domain into a mesh of nodes and corresponding volumes around each node
benthos	All the plant and animals living on or closely associated with the bottom of a body of water.
aquifer	a geologic formation that will yield water to a well in sufficient quantities to make the production of water from this formation feasible for beneficial use; permeable layers of underground rock or sand that hold or transmit groundwater below the water table.
flood insurance	A means of spreading the cost of flood losses
gully	A deeply eroded channel created by the concentrated flow of water.
sewage disposal	the area and structures designed to contain Facilities and treat sewage Silt
service connector	The pipe that carries tap water from a public water main to a building.
efr	The water flow requirements needed to maintain the riverine ecology, recharge riverine aquifers and maintain the river channel.
free flow	(Hydraulics) Flow through or over a structure not affected by submergence or backwater.
pioneer plants	Herbaceous annual and seedling perennial plants that colonize bare areas as a first stage in secondary succession.
heath	a vegetation dominated by small shrubs with small hard leaves
rejuvenation	A change in condition of erosion that causes a stream to begin more active erosion and a new cycle.
travertine	A form of calcium carbonate (CaCO3), such as aragonite or calcite, that is precipitated out of hot mineral springs as it cools upon reaching the ground surface
american petroleum institute	the oil industry’s trade association
syllabus	Concise statement of the main objectives, content, learning experiences, resources and assessment strategies to be used in teaching a specific subject or field of knowledge
sediment	Particles of rock covering a size range from clay to boulders.
helminth	a parasitic worm (as a tapeworm, liver fluke, ascarid, or leech); especially : an intestinal worm.
reaction–diffusion	A class of mathematical models in which the concentrations of the molecules being modelled are tracked in space as well as time, taking into account the chemical transformations that the molecules can undergo and their diffusive motion.
dip	To plunge briefly into a liquid, as in order to wet, coat, or saturate
peak flow	in a wastewater treatment plant, the highest flow expected to be encoutered under any operational conditions, including periods of high rainfall and prolonged periods of wet weather.
tidal flat	An extensive flat tract of land alternatively covered and uncovered by the tide, and comprising mostly unconsolidated mud and sand
headwaters	the beginning of a river
stream flow	The movement of water through a channel.
heat exchanger	A component that is utilized to remove heat from or ad heat to a liquid.
cycle of erosion	A qualitative description of river valleys and regions passing through the stages of youth, maturity, and old age with respect to the amount of erosion that has been effected.
open space/open space use	Refers to the current employment of land, the preservation of which conserves and enhances natural or scenic resources, protects streams and water supplies or preserves sites designated as historic pursuant to law.
cypress swamp	A wetland environment common throughout the southeastern United States in which cypress trees are a dominant species.
lithostratigraphic	Related to the geological discipline associated with the study of rock strata and formation.
aquifer compaction	Term used to describe the effects of emptying or overdrawing an aquifer; overdrafts tend to collapse the structure of the aquifer such that the original volume cannot be restored
bioaccumulants	Substances that increase in concentration in living organisms as they take in contaminated air, water, or food because the substances are very slowly metabolized or excreted
bubble policy	Burning
connecting stream	A stream connecting a lake with another lake or stream.
asbestos	Any material containing asbestos, that, when dry, cannot be crumbled, pulverized or reduced to powder by hand pressure
crepuscular	Animals that become active or primarily active at dusk, dawn or twilight.
artesian	A commonly used expression, generally synonymous with Confined and referring to subsurface (ground) bodies of water which, due to underground drainage from higher elevations and confining layers of soil material above and below the water body (referred to as an Artesian Aquifer), result in underground water at pressures greater than atmospheric.
bioassay	a test to determine the relative strength of a substance by comparing its effect on a test organism with that of a standard preparation.
eutrophication	The natural process by which lakes and ponds become enriched with dissolved nutrients, resulting in increased growth of algae and other microscopic plants.
hydric soil	soil that is wet long enough to periodically produce anaerobic conditions, thereby influencing the growth of plants.
hypoxic	A condition of low oxygen concentration, below that considered aerobic
invertebrate	An animal having no backbone or spinal column
alkali lakes	Those containing water very highly impregnated with alkalies
nonpoint source pollution	Pollution that does not originate from a clear or discrete source.
floodplain	land next to a river that becomes covered by water when the river overflows its banks .
spa	(1) A resort providing therapeutic baths
hydrophyte	any plant growing in water or on a substrate that is at least periodically deficient in oxygen as a result of excessive water content.
unit storm	A net rainfall one-inch deep which occurs over all parts of a drainage area at a uniform rate during a specified unit period of time.
nacre	the inner-most layer of shell that often has a pearl-like appearance
bankfull width	The width of a river or stream channel between the highest banks on either side of a stream.
water-cooled reactor	A nuclear reactor that employs water to cool the reactor core
leadsman	A person who uses a sounding lead to determine depth of water.
zinc	The MCL is 5 mg/L, because of problems with the aesthetic quality due to the taste of zinc.
aquaculture	All activities aimed at producing in restricted areas, processing and marketing aquatic plants and animals from fresh, brackish or salt waters.
co2	Molecule of carbon dioxide composed of a carbon atom and two oxygen atoms
trickle channel	A longitudinal channel constructed along the center and lowest part of a channel or through a detention or retention facility and intended to carry low flows
particulate matter	very small, separate particles Permafrost
smog	a term that combines the words "smoke" and "fog," coined originally in Los Angeles to characterize a visible combination of smoke and fog
secondary consumer	An animal that feeds on other animals.
perched water table	The top of a Zone of Saturation that bottoms on an impermeable horizon above the level of the general water table in the area
amphibians	A cold-blooded vertebrate animal in the class Amphibia
rapid sand filter	A water purification filter in which previously treated water (usually by coagulation and sedimentation) is passed downward through a filtering medium of sand, anthracite coal, or other suitable material resting on a supporting bed of gravel and an under-drainage system
aestival ponds	Those ponds existing only in summer.
pigment	A substance, such as chlorophyll or melanin, that produces a characteristic color in plant or animal tissue.
wire-to-water efficiency	The efficiency of a pump and motor together
parts per million	the unit commonly used to represent the degree of pollutant concentration where the concentrations are small
benefits	Something that aids or promotes well-being
facultativem	having the ability to live and adapt to various conditions while not being restricted to those conditions or mode of life, such as bacteria that can live either with or without oxygen.
reuse	Water that is discharged by one user and is used by other users
geomorphology	A branch of both physiography and geology that deals with the form of the earth, the general configuration of its surface, and the changes that take place due to erosion of the primary elements and the buildup of erosional debris.
imhoff tank	An anaerobic sewage treatment tank in which solids are withdrawn from the bottom of the tank.
soil horizon	A layer of soil approximately parallel to the surface of the ground
energy from waste	EP Tox Test
spillway	the channel or passageway around or over a dam through which excess water is diverted.
air photo	A photograph of the earth's surface taken from the air
summative assessment	This form of assessment usually occurs towards the end of learning in order to describe the standard reached by the learner
subwatershed	Drainage area composed of two or more Subbasins.
head ditch	The water supply ditch at the head end of an irrigated field.
culvert	one or more pipes, pipe arches, or structures covered with soil and lying below the road surface, used to carry water, but does not include log structures.
sounding	(1) Measuring the depth of water, as in a well, river, or lake; Fathom
adit	a horizontal entrance, or passage, in a mine
slough	A shallow backwater inlet that is commonly exposed at low flow or tide.
binary fission	During binary fission, a single cell divides transversely to form two new cells called daughter cells
hydroxyl	The term used to describe the anionic hydroxide radical (OH-) which is responsible for the alkalinity of a solution.
eductor	A device utilizing a nozzle and throat and installed in a stream of water to create a partial vacuum to draw air or liquid into the stream
ecosystem	the dynamic and interrelated complex of plant and animal communities and their non-living environment
thermal gradient	A temperature difference between two areas.
incinerators	Containers specially designed to hold a fire intended to stabilize the waste content and reduce its volume
check dam	A small dam constructed in a gully or other small watercourse to decrease the streamflow velocity, minimize channel erosion, promote deposition of sediment, and to divert water from a channel.
agricultural suitability	Determines how suitable a given area of land is, in it's present state, for agricultural purposes.
interstitial pressure	(Hydraulics) The upward pressure of water in the pores or Interstices of a material.
backwashing	the process of cleaning a rapid sand or mechanical filter by reversing the flow of water.
volumetric water content	That portion of the volume of a soil sample that is occupied by water, expressed as percent by volume.
seat insert	A soft material which improves the seal between the valve cover and seat, or pallet and seat ring.
great divide	The watershed of North America comprising the line of highest points of land separating the waters flowing west from those flowing north or east, coinciding with various ranges of the Rocky Mountains, and extending south-southeast from Northwestern Canada to Northwestern South America
hardness	A characteristic of natural water due primarily to the presence of dissolved polyvalent (valence greater than 1) cations, such as calcium (Ca+2) and magnesium (Mg+2)
alachlor	A herbicide, marketed under the trade name Lasso, listed by the U.S
water privilege	The right to use water especially as a source of mechanical power.
claypan	(1) A dense, compact layer in the subsoil having a much higher clay content than the overlying material from which it is separated by a sharply defined boundary
saturated vapor pressure	The pressure exerted by the vapor in a saturated space.
r&d	Research & Development
permeability coefficient	The rate of flow of water through a unit cross-sectional area under a Unit Hydraulic Gradient at the prevailing temperature (Field Permeability Coefficient), or adjusted to 15Â°C (59Â°F)
canoe	A light narrow boat made of bark, aluminum, or fiberglass
d.i. or di	Abbreviation for deionization.
litter	Mass Burn
erosion	The movement of soil or rock from one area to another by the action of the sea, running water, moving ice, precipitation, or wind.
overflow	The excess water that flows over the ordinary limits of the sewer, manhole, or containment structure
amd	Acid Mine Drainage
bog	Freshwater wetlands that are poorly drained and characterized by a buildup of peat.
coalescence	Liquid particles in suspension that unite to create particles of a greater volume.
integrated drainage	drainage developed during maturity in an arid region, characterized by coalescence of drainage basins as a result of headward erosion in the lower basins or spilling over from the upper basins.
halcyon days	With respect to water, generally refers to idyllic by-gone days when supplies of an area's fresh water were relatively abundant with respect to the demands of man.
sedimentation	(1) The combined processes of soil erosion, entrainment, transport, deposition, and consolidation
secondary fiber	- fibers that have previously been used in a manufacturing process and have been reclaimed as raw material for another process.
canopy	A layer of foliage in a forest stand
channel inflow	Water which at any instant is flowing into the channel system from surface flow, subsurface flow, base flow, and rainfall directly on the channel.
in situ	In place
hummocky	Hilly, uneven landscape resulting from deep-seated soil movement, usually of a rotational nature.
air binding	A situation where air enters the filter media and harms both the filtration and backwash processes.
algal bloom	A condition which occurs when excessive nutrient levels and other physical and chemical conditions facilitate rapid growth of algae
hydrograph	Graph showing variation of water elevation, velocity, streamflow, or other property of water with respect to time.
sump pump	A pump designed and so placed in a Sump to remove the water or other liquids collected there.
substrate size	The diameter of streambed particles such as clay, silt, sand, gravel, cobble and boulders.
cumulonimbus	An extremely dense, vertically developed cumulus with a relatively hazy outline and a glaciated top extending to great heights, usually producing heavy rains, thunderstorms, or hailstorms.
mr	milliroentgen A measure of X-ray or gamma radiation
community	Any assemblage of populations of plants and/or animals in a common special arrangement.
pool	A reach of stream that is characterized by deep, low-velocity water and a smooth surface.
cut bank	The outside bank of a bend, often eroding opposite a point bar.
dilution ratio	the critical low flow of the receiving water at the point of recycled water discharge divided by the flow of the discharge. Is used in the biomonitoring test to simulate in-stream conditions that organisms will be exposed to during critical low-flow times.
sunbow	A rainbow-like display of colors resulting from refraction of sunlight through a spray of water
inventorying	Gathering data needed for analyses and evaluation of the status or condition of a specific universe or area of concern.
thermal envelope	the border on a building where conditioned air meets unconditioned space
gastroenteritis	An infection or irrigation of the gastro-intestinal tract (stomach and small intestines)
organic matter	Substances of (dead) plant or animal matter, with a carbon-hydrogen structure.
stream channel	A long narrow depression shaped by the concentrated flow of a stream and covered continuously or periodically by water.
armouring	formation or application of various materials to protect banks and shores of waterbodies from erosion.
stream clearance	The removal of natural or man-caused debris from stream channel areas by mechanical means.
bridge abutment	that part of a bridge structure which supports the bridge span at the ends.
herbicide	a pesticide used to kill plants and control vegetation.
cohesion	Molecular attraction which holds two particles together.
upstream	In the opposite direction of the gas flow.
nitrates	Nitrogen is an element needed by all plants and animals to build protein
stormwater	Rainwater run-off from solid surfaces (roofs, roads, driveways, paths, parking lots and ground surfaces) that is channelled through drains from roads and urban properties into waterways and the sea.
environmental impact	The positive or negative effect of any action upon a given area or resource.
mesosphere	stress-tolerator: Long-lived plants adapted to habitats that are marginal in terms of climate, moisture, or nutrient supply, but are infrequently disturbed and therefore stable, such as tundra and desert.
diversion channel	(1) An artificial channel constructed around a town or other point of high potential flood damages to divert floodwater from the main channel to minimize flood damages
remediation	methods used to remove or contain a toxic spill or hazardous materials from a Superfund site; a generic term used to describe cleanup activities.
stream piracy	the tendency of one stream to capture the flow of another by eroding a channel that intercepts the other stream's flow.
macrophyte	macroscopic plants in the aquatic environment
instrumentation	Equipment for the measurement of physical or chemical quantities such as pressure and temperature and for the control and operation of a process
large woody debris	Pieces of wood larger than 10 feet long and 6 inches in diameter, in a stream channel.
delta	(1) An alluvial deposit made of rock particles (sediment and debris) dropped by a stream as it enters a body of water
overland flow	(1) The flow of rainwater or snowmelt over the land surface toward stream channels
gallon	A unit of liquid volume; the U.S
psig	Pounds per square inch gauge.
delta	A delta is a low, watery land formed at the mouth of a river
drainage layer	(Dam) A layer of permeable material in a dam to relieve pore pressure or to facilitate drainage of fill material.
instream use	use of water that does not require withdrawal or diversion from its natural watercourse; for example, the use of water for navigation, recreation, and support of fish and wildlife.
photo ionization detector	A hand-held instrument used to measure the overall level of volatile organic compounds in air.
floatation	the process of removing finely divided particles from a liquid suspension by agitating the liquid with gas bubbles thus increasing the buoyancy of the particles, and concentrating them at the surface of the liquid medium.
designated watersheds	Watershed areas that have been set aside as sources of municipal water or other similar purposes would be included in this category
erosion control fabric	Woven or spun material made from natural or synthetic fibers and placed to prevent surface erosion.
plant nutrients	The primary mineral ingredients of fertilizer: phosphate (PO4-3), nitrate (NO3-), and ammonium (NH4+), together with an extensive array of chemical elements (Trace Elements) used in lesser amounts to support the growth of plants.
well	a bored, drilled, or driven shaft or dug hole
mercaptans	Organic compounds that contain an-SH group and that are present in biogas
weir	A small overflow-type dam commonly used to raise the level of a river or stream.
venturi meter	A meter, developed by Clemens Herschel, for measuring flow of water or other fluids through closed conduits or pipes
cabotage	Trade or transport in coastal waters or airspace or between two points within a country.
extended family	A large family grouping comprising grandparents, their children and grandchildren, usually living in the one house or grouped set of houses
total dissolved solids	The weight of solids per unit volume of water which are in true solution, usually determined by the evaporation of a measured volume of filtered water, and determination of the residue weight
transmissivity	refers to the rate at which limestone allows the transmission of water
water wave	Water waves provide one of the most important mechanisms for transporting energy from one point to another on the sea surface
hydrogeomorphic unit	A land form characterized by a specific origin, geomorphic setting, water source, and hydrodynamic.
skid trail	A temporary, nonstructural pathway over forest soil used for dragging felled trees or logs to a log landing.
headcutting	The action of a bedscarp or headward erosion of a locally steep channel or gully.
water supplier	one who owns or operates a public water system.
ciliates	A class of protozoans distinguished by short hairs on all or part of their bodies.
solum	The top two soil layers, composed of the topsoil (A-Horizon) and the subsoil (B-Horizon, or layer of leached material deposition)
pond	A body of water smaller than a lake, often artificially formed.
riffle	A reach of stream that is characterized by shallow, fast moving water broken by the presence of rocks and boulders.
tropical wave	Another name for an easterly wave, it is an area of relatively low pressure moving westward through the trade wind easterlies
detection limit	The concentration of a constituent or analyte below which a particular analytical method cannot determine, with a high degree of certainty, the concentration.
leucistic	A pure white animal with dark eyes.
oligotrophic	metal: Any relatively heavy element that in its pure state shares electrons among atoms, and has useful properties such as malleability, high conductivity of electricity and heat, and tensile strength.
canceled water right	A water right that is invalidated due to the failure of the water right holder to comply with the terms and conditions of the permit
lake	An inland body of water, usually fresh water, formed by glaciers, river drainage, etc
receiving waters	a river, ocean, stream, or other watercourse into which wastewater or treated effluent is discharged.
snowflakes	An ice crystal or an aggregate of ice crystals which fall from clouds.
bubbler	A drinking fountain from which a stream of water bubbles upward.
stratopause	The boundary zone or transition layer between the stratosphere and the mesosphere
turbidity current	A current in which a limited volume of turbid or muddy water moves relative to surrounding water because of its greater density.
kwrri	Kentucky Water Resources Research Institute
attrition	The action of one particle rubbing against the other in a filter media or ion exchange bed that can in time cause breakdown of the particles.
floodplain	Land that gets covered with water as a result of the flooding of a nearby stream
running water	Water distributed through pipes and fixtures as a house with hot and cold running water.
geohydrology	A term which denotes the branch of Hydrology relating to subsurface or subterranean waters; that is, to all waters below the surface
freshet	a large increase in water flow down a river or estuary, typically from heavy rains or melting snow.
occupational exposure limits	Maximum allowable concentrations of toxic substances in workroom air for workers.
herbivore	an animal that consumes plants
ecology	Scientific study of the interations of organisms and their environment
drainage density	(1) The relative density of natural drainage channels in a given area, obtained by dividing the total length of the stream channels by the area
hydrogeology	The science of chemistry and movement of groundwater.
infiltration	the penetration of water through the ground surface into sub-surface soil or the penetration of water from the soil into sewer or other pipes through defective joints, connections, or manhole walls.
trade winds	Surface winds that generally dominate air flow in the tropics, blowing from about 30° north and south latitude to the equator.
nominal	An arbitrary term used to describe or define a degree of filtration. The filtration industry used various methods of determining nominal ratings which are not necessarily interchangeable. Generally nominal references 98% removal of solids above a specified micron rating on a single pass basis. See absolute.
sand	Loose particles of hard, broken rock or minerals
pathogen	An organism that causes disease in another organism
internal drainage	(1) Movement of water down through soil to porous aquifers or to surface outlets at lower elevations
mist	(1) A mass of fine droplets of water in the atmosphere near or in contact with the earth; liquid particles measuring 40 to 500 microns, formed by condensation of vapor
discharge	volume of water passing by a given location within a given time period. Usually expressed in either cubic feet per second (cfs) or gallons per minute (gpm).
lel	Minimum concentration of gas vapor in air or oxygen where propagation of flame does not occur on contact with a source of ignition.
cryptophyte	Algae of variable pigment concentrations, with various other unusual features
"lasagna" process	(Environmental) A cleanup technique involving the use of an electrical current to treat subsurface hazardous waste
nonpoint source	source of pollution in which wastes are not released at one specific, identifiable point but from a number of points that are spread out and difficult to identify and control
stream load	All the material transported by a stream or river either as visible sediment (Bed Load and Suspended Load) or in solution (Dissolved Load).
carcinogen	Chemicals, ionizing radiation and viruses that cause or promote the development of cancer
oxbow	A loop or bend in the river that is cut off from the main channel.
nervous system	Bodily system that is responsible for muscle movement and cognition.
in-parallel flow	A piping arrangement which directs separate streams through two or more water treatment units in a balanced manner, providing equal flow to each device
ultra violet	Radiation that has a wavelength shorter than visible light
methyl orange alkalinity	A measure of the total alkalinity in a water sample in which the color of methyl orange reflects the change in level.
siliceous gel	A synthetic hydrated sodium alumino silicate with ion exchange properties once widely used in ion exchange water softeners.
bank stabilization	any works undertaken to protect or amour a bank or shore from erosion.
flow augmentation	The addition of water to meet flow needs.
molluscs	a group of soft-bodied animals, most of which live in water and have shells, such as clams, oysters and mussels; some, like snails and slugs live on land; slugs are molluscs with no shell.
clarifier	A tank or basin for the purpose of reducing the concentration of suspended solids in a liquid.
hammer-mill	A high-speed machine that uses hammers and cutters to crush, grind, chip, or shred MSW.
concentration	amount of a chemical or pollutant in a particular volume or weight of air, water, soil, or other medium.
bioaccumulation	(1) The increase in concentration of a chemical in organisms that reside in environments contaminated with low concentrations of various organic compounds
bioaccumulation	uptake and retention of substances by an organism from its surrounding medium (usually water) and from food.
waterflood	The process of waterflooding an oil well; to pump water into the ground around an oil well nearing depletion in order to loosen and force out additional oil.
metallurgy	the science and technology of metals and alloys
downdrift	Direction of alongshore movement of beach materials.
managerial controls	(Irrigation) Methods of nonpoint source pollution control based on decisions about managing agricultural wastes or application times or rates for agrochemicals.
flood	(Biblical) The universal deluge recorded in the Old Testament as having occurred during the life of Noah.
marginal fish habitat	habitat that has low productive capacity and contributes marginally to fish production
permanent monument	Fixed monuments or reference markers placed away from the dam which allow movements in the horizontal and vertical Control Points on the dam to be observed by using accurate survey procedures.
turbulent flow	A type of flow characterized by cross currents and eddies, as opposed to laminar or streamlined flow
earthlight	The faint illumination of the dark part of the moon's disk produced by sunlight reflected onto the moon from the earth's surface and atmosphere.
shear strength	the stress required to produce fracture in the plane of cross section, the conditions of loading being such that the directions of force and resistance are parallel and opposite although their paths are offset a specified minimum amount.
existing vegetation	vegetation that includes both native and non-native species that is present currently in the area.
indirect charges	Payment for a service (in this case MSWM) is linked either to the general municipal charge (e.g., property tax), or to another service for which charges are paid on the extent of use, and where the sanction of disconnection exists for non-payment (e.g., drinking water, sewage or electricity).
dissoluble	That can be dissolved, e.g., dissoluble airborne pollutants brought back to the earth as rain.
oxygen-demanding materials	Materials such as food waste and dead plant or animal tissue that use up dissolved oxygen in the water as they decompose through chemical or biological processes
diversity	The distribution and abundance of different plant and animal communities.
ground water	water that infiltrates the Earth and is stored in usable amounts in the soil and rock below the Earth’s surface; water within the zone of saturation.
anion	A negatively charged ion in solution, such as bicarbonate, chloride, or sulfate
dolomite	A carbonate mineral of calcium and magnesium found in nature in extensive beds of compact limestone and marble that are rich in carbonate.
combined sewer	A sewer that conveys both stormwater and sanitary sewage in the same pipe.
circulation cells	Large areas of air movement created by the rotation of the earth and the transfer of heat from the equator toward the poles
control structure	Dam, dike, pump or any structure built for the purpose of controlling the water level of a lake or pond.
caisson	(1) A watertight structure within which construction work is carried on under water
aggradation	a progressive build up of a channel bed with sediment over several years due to a normal sequence of scour and deposition, as distinguished from the rise and fall of the channel bed during a single flood.
instream flow needs	Those habitat requirements within the running water Ecosystem related to current velocity and depth which present the optimum conditions of density (or diversity) or physiological stability to the aquatic organisms being examined at various life cycle stages.
bankfull	The discharge that fills the channel without overflowing onto the flood plain.
base flow	the water that flows in a river during the dry periods between rainstorms
rugosity	A term used to indicate the degree of roughness of a test-well caused by drilling and subsequent wash-outs
deflocculating agent	A material added to a suspension to prevent settling.
calorie	In meteorology, it is the amount of heat required to raise the temperature of one (1) gram of water one (1) degree Celsius
foodweb	a model structure used to represent the links between organisms within an environment, based upon the order in which various organisms consume one another.
diurnal	Pertaining to actions or events that occur during a twenty-four hour cycle or recurs every twenty-four hours
eutrophication	The process by which water becomes enriched with plant nutrients, most commonly phosphorus and nitrogen.
pond scum	A mass of filamentous algae forming a green scum on the surface of ponds and other such bodies of water.
irrigation systems tailwater recovery	A water runoff collection and storage system to provide a constant quantity of water back to the initial system or to another field.
ecosystem	All the living and non-living things that interact together in a given area.
interceptor tunnels	Any large volume pipe or conduit having a deeper invert elevation to accept or intercept the sewer flow of smaller sanitary sewers
nitrification	A biological process, during which nitrifying bacteria convert toxic ammonia to less harmful nitrate
alum treatment	Process of putting liquid alum (Aluminum Sulfate) into the lake water, to precipitate to a floc that settles through the water column removing fine particles to the sediment and building up a barrier layer to contain soluble phosphorus in the lake sediments.
herbicide	A type of pesticide designed to kill plants.
base flow	The sustained portion of stream discharge that is drawn from natural storage sources, and not effected by human activity or regulation.
water-related land	Land on which projected use and/or management practices may significantly affect the runoff pattern or quality of the water resources to which it relates and land that is significantly affected by existing or proposed measures for management or use of the water resources to which it relates.
river banks	The portion of the channel cross section that restricts lateral movement of water at normal discharges
vernal pool	a small lake or pond that is filled with water for only a short time during the spring.
land cover	the physical state of the land surface, including vegetation, soil, rock and human made structures, but specifically used in relation to vegetational changes, to describe the proportion of land covered by vegetation
receiving waters	A lake, river, pond or creek that receives stormwater runoff from storm drainpipe.
discharge	In the simplest form, discharge means outflow of water
reuse	Using a component of MSW in its original form more than once, eg refilling a glass bottle that has been returned or using a coffee can to hold nuts and bolts.
soil horizon	a layer of soil that is distinguishable from adjacent layers by characteristic physical and chemical properties.
electrofishing	a biological collection method that uses electric current to facilitate capturing fishes.
cumulative effects	the combined environmental impacts that accumulate over time and space as a result of a series of similar or related individual actions, contaminants, or projects
depositing substrates	Bottom areas where solids are being actively deposited; often occurring in the vicinity of effluent discharges.
supercritical water	a type of thermal treatment using moderate temperatures and high pressures to enhance the ability of water to break down large organic molecules into smaller, less toxic ones
acid	A substance that forms hydrogen ions upon dissolving in water and neutralizes bases to form a salt plus water
prognostic chart	A chart of forecast predictions that may include pressure, fronts
back pressure	Pressure which creates resistance against the flow of water.
silt	Substrate particles smaller than sand and larger than clay.
brackish	water that is not fresh but is not fully salt water
species	One or more animals which closely resemble one another
pulp	fibrous material which is used in the paper making process to create sheet paper or other cellulose products
tributary	A river or stream flowing into a larger river, stream or lake.
fecal coliform	the portion of the coliform bacteria group which is present in the intestinal tracts and feces of warm-blooded animals
separation	Step of separating the constituents of a gas, for example, to obtain a valuable product
soil-moisture depletion	The process where soil water is removed by crops through Evapotranspiration.
irrigation period	The number of hours or days that it takes to apply one irrigation to a given design area during the peak consumptive-use period of the crop being irrigated.
total petroleum hydrocarbons	A test often used to determine the amount of hydrocarbon contamination in a solid.
intermittent flow	The term usually applied to the interrupted patterns of water usage; also used in reference to specific on-off flow patterns selected to test the performance of water conditioning equipment under standard conditions, which may or may not be similar to actual patterns of use of installed equipment.
severe weather	Generally, any destructive weather event, but usually applies to localized storms, such as blizzards, intense thunderstorms, or tornadoes.
sterilization	A process in which all living organisms are destroyed
sea level	The level of the surface of the sea, especially measured at its mean position midway between mean high and low water
lata	LATA Environmental Services of Kentucky, LLC The PGDP primary cleanup contractor for the DOE.
crepuscular rays	Contrasting, alternating bright and dark rays in the sky
anion exchange	An ion exchange process in which anions in solution are exchanged for other anions from an ion exchanger
filter strip	A strip or area of vegetation used for removing sediment, organic matter, and other pollutants from runoff and waste water.
contamination	Degradation of water quality compared to original or natural conditions due to human activity.
nonfull-cost entitlement	Maximum acreage, whether held directly or indirectly, that a landholder may irrigate with Reclamation irrigation water at less than the Full-Cost Rate.
coefficient of transmissivity	The rate at which water of the prevailing kinematic viscosity is transmitted through a unit width of the aquifer under a unit Hydraulic Gradient
well injection	The subsurface emplacement of fluids into a well.
bod	Biochemical oxygen demand – the quantity of oxygen used in the biochemical oxidation of organic matter in a specified time, at a specified temperature and under specified conditions.
barrier net	A net system that is placed across a river, stream or channel to block the passage of fish from dam turbine intakes or other hazards without blocking the water flow.
conductance	a measure of the conducting power of a solution equal to the reciprocal of the resistance
wave machine	A device used for converting the energy of ocean waves into electrical energy
psia	Pounds per square inch absolute.
biological magnification	Refers to the process whereby certain substances such as pesticides or heavy metals move up the food chain, work their way into rivers or lakes, and are eaten by aquatic organisms such as fish, which in turn are eaten by large birds, animals or humans
inflow	Water that flows into a reservoir or forebay during a specified period.
taxon	Any identifiable group of taxonomically related organisms.
exposure	The amount of pollution present in a given environment that represents a potential health threat to living organisms.
potential vegetation	considered to exist if there is a reasonable ability for regeneration either with assistance through enhancement or naturally, and is considered to not exist on that part of an area covered by a permanent structure.
inflow design flood	The maximum probable flood defined as the largest flood that can be expected to occur on a given stream at a selected point
aggrading	The building up of a stream channel which is flowing too slowly to carry its sediment load.
water use	Use of water or altering of its natural condition with the intention of increasing the production of goods and services.
water discharge	The amount of water and sediment flowing in a channel, expressed as volume per unit of time
adsorption	the adhesion of a substance to the surface of a solid or liquid
barrage	An artificial obstruction, such as a dam or an irrigation channel, built in a watercourse to increase its depth or to divert its flow either for navigation or irrigation
hazardous waste	any substance discarded into the air or water or onto the land which poses a hazard to human health or welfare or to the environment.
acre	A measure of area equal to 43,560 ft2 (4,046.87 m2); one square mile equals 640 acres.
biological community	All of the living things in a given environment.
naturopathy	A system of treatment of disease that avoids drugs and surgery and emphasizes the use of natural agents (as air, water, and sunshine) and physical means (as manipulation and electrical treatment).
hydrodynamic loads	Forces imposed on structures by floodwaters due other impacts of moving water on the upstream side of the structure, drag along its sides, and eddies or negative pressures on its downstream side.
amenities	(Lake) Those features or aspects which produce a pleasurable effect, or have a sentimental value.
invertebrate	Animal that does not have a backbone
suspended sediment	Very fine soil particles which remain in suspension in water for a considerable period of time without contact with the bottom
precipitation	(1) Rain or snow
thunderhead	A round mass of Cumulus Clouds appearing before a Thunderstorm.
flood plain	the area often affected by a flood
calcium hydroxide	A white crystalline strong alkali Ca(OH)2 that is used especially to make mortar and plaster and to soften water.
drainage coefficient	Design rate at which water is to be removed from a drainage area.
salt	In chemistry, the term is applied to a class of chemical compounds which can be formed by the neutralization of an acid with a with a base; the common name for the specific chemical compound sodium chloride used in the regeneration of ion exchange water softeners.
brackish	mixed fresh and salt water.
xerophyte	Any plant growing in a habitat in which an appreciable portion of the rooting medium dries to the wilting coefficient at frequent intervals
hardness	Water in which relatively high amounts of minerals, mainly of calcium and magnesium salts, are dissolved.
peis	Programmatic Environmental Impact Statement A document that describes the impacts on the environment as a result of a proposed action
biocoenosis	A community of animal and plant life.
hydrologist	a person that applies scientific knowledge and mathematical principles to solve water-related problems in society such as problems of quantity, quality, and availability.
aerobic	life or processes that require, or are not destroyed by, the presence of oxygen.
suspended-sediment concentration	The velocity-weighted concentration of suspended sediment in the sampled zone (from the water surface to a point approximately 0.3 foot above the bed); expressed as milligrams of dry sediment per liter of water-sediment mixture (mg/L).
fishery	the aquatic region in which a certain species of fish lives floc - clumps of impurities removed from water during the purification process; formed when alum is added to impure water flocculation - a step in water filtration in which alum is added to cause particles to clump together floodplain - area formed by fine sediments spreading out in the drainage basin on either side of the channel of a river as a result of the river's fluctuating water volume and velocity fog - clouds that form at the Earth's surface frost - the ice that forms on surfaces as a result of the temperature of that surface reaching freezing before the air becomes saturated with water
generator	A machine that changes water power, steam power, or other kinds of mechanical energy into electricity.
lentic waters	Ponds or lakes (standing water).
micron	A unit of length equal to one millionth of a meter; the unit of measure for wavelength.
environmentally sensitive areas	areas requiring special management attention to protect important scenic values, fish and wildlife resources, historical and cultural values, and other natural systems or processes.
anode	The positive pole of an electrolytic system
cryptomonads	A group of brown colored flagellate algae, very common in the phytoplankton.
subtropical jet	Marked by a concentration of isotherms and vertical shear, this jet is the boundary between the subtropical air and the tropical air
concordant flows	Flows at different points in a river system that have the same Recurrence Interval, or the same frequency of occurrence
bio-accumulation	The retaining and accumulation over time of certain chemical compounds in organic matter such as the tissues of plants and animals used as food sources.
methanization	Biological process of degradation of organic material in the absence of oxygen and produces carbon dioxide and methane
delay time	Duration of time for contamination or water to move from point of concern to the well; analogous to time-of-travel.
mechanized sorting center	Veolia Environmental Services is increasing the number of mechanized sorting centers to make selective sorting more efficient and improve working conditions
milliscreens	Barrel-shaped screens with mesh sides used as initial screening of large solids
specific discharge	For ground water, the rate of discharge per unit area, measured at right angles to the direction of flow.
riparian vegetation	Vegetation growing along banks of streams, rivers, and other water bodies tolerant to or more dependent on water than plants further upslope.
specific gravity	the density ratio of two substances – that of the substance of interest to that of a reference substance
coastal zone	Lands and waters near the coast, whose uses and ecology are affected by the sea.
specific conductance	a measure of the ability of a substance to conduct an electrical current.
concentration factor	A number used to estimate the scaling potential in reverse osmosis systems when the TADS rejection is expected to exceed 90%; equal to the reciprocal of 1 minus the recovery ratio
unstable bank	The stream bank shows evidence of active erosion, shearing, tension cracking, breakdown, and/or sloughing
water management area	Any area defined for the purposes of water management, including a water resource plan area.
nucleus	The center of an atom, that contains protons and neutrons and carries a positive charge.
slaked lime	Calcium hydroxide which is formed by the addition of water to quicklime; a process termed Slaking.
primary stakeholders	Those p ersons, groups or institutions directly affected, either positively (beneficiaries) or negatively (for example, those involuntarily resettled) by a proposed action or plan.
bio filtration	Filtration that involves biological processes
genetic resource ownership	The debated issue of the ownership of any plant, animal, or microbial material that contains functioning genes that could be of actual or potential value.
insecticide	Pesticide used specifically to control insects.
undercurrent	A current, as of air or water, below another current or beneath the surface.
depreciation	Depreciation provisions are 'costs' and not 'expenditures' of an investment
lime softening	Often used by municipalities for partial reduction of water hardness
understory	a foliage layer lying beneath and shaded by the main canopy of a forest.
mpn	The abbreviation for "most probable number".
collection	The process of picking up wastes from residences, businesses, or a collection point, loading them into a vehicle, and transporting them to a processing site, transfer station or landfill.
cooling water required	The amount of water needed to pass through the condensing unit in order to condense the steam to water.
irrigated land	Land receiving water by controlled artificial means for agricultural purposes from surface or subsurface sources.
high heating value	The quantity known as higher heating value (HHV) (or gross energy or upper heating value or gross calorific value (GCV) or higher calorific value (HCV)) is determined by bringing all the products of combustion back to the original pre-combustion temperature, and in particular condensing any vapor produced
galvanic cell	A cell which generates an electrical current, consisting of dissimilar metals in contact with each other and with an electrolyte.
slime forming bacteria	the common name for bacteria in the order of myxobacterales, so named for the layer of slime deposited behind the cells as they glide on a surface.
multiple use	Use of bodies of water for more than one purpose, such as recreational purposes, fishing, and water supply.
duct	An often enclosed passage or channel for conveying a substance, especially a liquid or gas.
bed depth	The height of the ion exchange or filter media in the vessel after preparation for service.
u-factor	a measure of thermal conductivity that is the inverse of R-value, often used to measure the performance of windows
cut off	A channel cut across the neck of a bend, eliminating the bend.
ademe	The French Environment and Energy Management Agency
photometer	Any of a number of atmospheric phenomena which appear as luminous patterns in the sky
diatom	A photosynthetic, single-celled organism enclosed in a shell of silica.
low temperature thermal desorption	The process of heating soil anywhere between 200 and 1000°F in order to vaporize contaminants with low boiling points
main	A relatively large pipe in a distribution system for drinking water or in a collection system for municipal wastewater
saturation	The condition of a liquid when it has taken into solution the maximum possible quantity of a given substance.
coordinated resource plan	A conservation plan including privately-owned land and public land.
cholera	A dangerous disease caused by a type of bacteria that causes intestinal disorders
permafrost	The part of the earth's surface that is permanently frozen
confluence	The point at which two or more streams meet; the point where a tributary joins the main stream
sanitary landfill	landfill that is lined with plastic or concrete or located in clay-rich soils to prevent hazardous substances from leaking into the environment.
hard water	Water which forms a precipitate with soap due to the presence of calcium, magnesium, or ferrous ions in solution.
wetland	A lowland area, such as a marsh or swamp, inundated or saturated by surface or groundwater sufficiently to support hydrophytic vegetation typically adapted to life in saturated soils.
virgin materials	Resources extracted from nature in their raw form, such as timber or metal ore.
bethulie	Bethulie is a small sheep and cattle farming town in the Free State province of South Africa
calcium chloride	A white deliquescent compound, CaCl2, used chiefly as a drying agent, refrigerant, and preservative and for controlling dust and ice on roads.
certificated water right [nevada]	The right to put surface or ground water to beneficial use that is identified by a recorded document issued by the Nevada State Engineer after satisfactory proof of "perfection of application" for a permitted water right has been filed in accordance with Nevada Revised Statues Chapter 533.
ecological impact	The effect that a man-made or natural activity has on living organisms and their non-living (abiotic) environment.
outlet channel	A waterway constructed or altered primarily to carry water from man-made structures, such as terraces, tile lines, and diversions.
sediment	particles derived from rocks or biological materials that have been transported by, suspended in, or deposited by air, water, or ice or that are accumulated by other natural agents, such as chemical precipitation from solution or secretion by organisms.
hydropower	electrical energy produced by falling water.
effluent	The outflow of a water treatment device
clarification	the clearing action that occurs during wastewater treatment when solids settle out
intermittent stream	Any nonpermanent flowing drainage feature having a definable channel and evidence of scour or deposition
elevated ditch	Earth-filled, constructed to specifications similar to those for earthfill dams, to provide normal grade as a substitute for flumes or siphons
casque	The head crest or crest of an animal.
polychlorinated biphenyls	toxic industrial chemical compound substances that were used in the manufacture of plastics and as insulating fluids in electrical transformers and capacitors
tropic of capricorn	The most southern point on the earth where the sun is directly overhead, located at approximately 23.5 degrees South latitude.
conservation tillage	A level of reduced tillage combined with one or more soil and water conservation practices designed to reduce loss of soil or water relative to conventional tillage
siltation	The deposition of finely divided soil and rock particles upon the bottom of stream and river beds and in reservoirs.
water use efficiency	A measure of the crop production per unit of water used, irrespective of water source, expressed in units of weight per unit of water depth per unit area
rapids	A part of a stream where the current is moving with a greater swiftness than usual and where the water surface is broken by obstructions, but without a sufficient break in slope to form a water fall, as where the water descends over a series of small steps
watercourse	any channel carrying water, either continuously or intermittently.
redd	A type of fish spawning area associated with flowing water and clean gravel
reforestation	The natural or artificial restocking of an area with forest trees.
absorber	A material capable of taking in a substance, such as oil, as a sponge takes up water.
estuary	thin zone along a coastline where freshwater system(s) and river(s) meet and mix with a salty ocean (such as a bay, mouth of a river, salt marsh, lagoon).
dredging	Removing material (usually sediments) from wetlands or waterways, usually to make them deeper and wider.
project	the design and construction of a LEED home
bog	freshwater marsh with build-up of peat and high acidity, that typically supports mosses adapted to acidic soil conditions (particularly sphagnum); many are located in colder regions.
dune	A mound or ridge of sand piled up by wind.
border ditch	A ditch used as a border of an irrigated strip or plot, water being spread from one or both sides of the ditch along its entire length.
lined waterway or outlet	A waterway or outlet with an erosion-resistant lining of concrete, stone, or other permanent material
calorie	amount of energy required to raise the temperature of 1 gram of water 1 degree Celsius.
laminar flow	The flow of fluid in which the flow paths are in smooth, parallel lines, with essentially no mixing and no turbulence.
stratum	A horizontal layer or section.
cloud bank	A well-defined cloud mass that can be observed at a distance
second law of thermodynamics	leaching: The movement of dissolved substances through the soil with percolating rainwater.
permanent hardness	Water hardness due to the presence of the chlorides and sulfates of calcium and magnesium, which will not be precipitated by boiling
dissolved organic compounds	Carbon substances dissolved in water.
calorific value	The quantity of heat generated when unit mass of a material undergoes complete combustion under certain specified conditions
stamping	a general term covering almost all press operations
reference dose	The particular concentration of a chemical that is known to cause health problems
cavern	A large underground opening in rock (usually limestone) which occurred when some of the rock was dissolved by water
mean sea level	The level of the surface of the sea between mean high and mean low tide; used as a reference point for measuring elevations.
coastal woodland	area of coastal trees and large shrubs located behind the beach, also referred to as coastal forest zone.
water table	the top water surface of an unconfined aquifer at atmospheric pressure.
ambient medium	material surrounding or contacting an organism (e.g., outdoor air, indoor air, water, or soil through which chemicals or pollutants can reach the organism.
lentic system	A non-flowing or standing body of fresh water, such as a lake or pond
aquatic life	All forms of living things found in water, ranging from bacteria to fish and rooted plants
metalimnion	The middle layer of a thermally stratified lake or reservoir
erosion	a process by which surface soil and rock is loosened, dissolved or worn away and moved from one place to another, usually by wind or water.
salt splitting	The process in which neutral salts in water are converted to their corresponding acids or bases by ion exchange resins containing strongly acidic or strongly basic functional groups.
proteins	Complex nitrogenous organic compounds of high molecular weight made of amino acids; essential for growth and repair of animal tissue
catchment basin	The entire area from which drainage is received by a river or a lake; most generally used in reference to surface runoff.
landlocked	(1) Enclosed or nearly enclosed by land, as a landlocked country without access to the sea or ocean
stream gaging	The quantitative determination of stream flow using Gages, Current Meters, Weirs, or other measuring instruments at selected locations.
vertebrate	Animal that does have a backbone
equilibrium	The state in which the action of multiple forces produces a steady balance or seeming lack of change; may be due to a true stop in action or due to continuing actions which neutralize each other resulting in no net change.
evaporation	The process by which a liquid changes to a vapour.
spoil	overburden or other waste material removed in mining, quarrying, dredging, or excavating.
drainage	the interception and/or removal of surface and/or groundwater from a given area by natural or artificial means
ecosystem	an ecological system that includes a community of interacting living organisms along with the environment they live in.
leeward	the lee side.
gallon	A unit of volume
bank	The sloping ground that borders a stream and confines the water in the natural channel when the water level, or flow, is normal.
backsiphonage	the backflow of contaminated or polluted water, from a plumbing fixture or cross-connection into a water supply line, due to a lowering of the pressure in the line.
phalanges	The bones of the fingers or toes.
sex industry	The business of prostitution, including the establishment and promotion of bars, brothels and places where people can pay others for sex
sublittoral zone	The part of the shore from the lowest water level to the lower boundary of plant growth; the transition zone from the Littoral to Profundal bottom.
organic matter	Carbonaceous material contained in plant or animal matter and originating from domestic or industrial sources.
thermocline	A vertical negative temperature gradient in some layer of a body of water which is appreciably greater than the gradients above and below it
secchi depth	A relatively crude measurement of the turbidity (cloudiness) of surface water
aquatic ecosystem	The basic unit of aquatic organisms and nonliving environment they live in.
aquatic habitats	areas associated with water that provide food and cover and other elements critical to an organism's life cycle (e.g., wetlands, rivers, riparian areas and streams).
habitat	A place where a biological organism lives
point source	originating at any discrete source.
static water level	elevation or level of the water table in a well when the pump is not operating; the level or elevation to which water would rise in a tube connected to an artesian aquifer or basin in a conduit under pressure.
public good	Refers to commodities or services whose benefits are not depleted by additional users and for which it is generally difficult, if not impossible, to exclude people from its benefits even if they are unwilling to pay for it
lentic system	a nonflowing or standing body of fresh water, such as a lake or pond
seawall	Massive structure built along the shore to prevent erosion and damage by wave action.
channel	a natural or artificial watercourse that continuously or intermittently contains water, with definite bed and banks that confine all but overbanking streamflows.
sounding	A plot of the atmosphere, using data rom upper air or radiosonde observations
succession	(Biology) Directional, orderly process of change in a living community in which the community modifies the physical environment to eventually establish an ecosystem which is as stable as possible at the site in question.
hydrogenation	the infusing of unsaturated or impure hydrocarbons with hydrogen gas at controlled temperatures and pressures for the purpose of obtaining saturated hydrocarbons and/or removing various impurities such as sulfur and nitrogen.
conservation	The process or means of achieving recovery of variable populations.
cold vapor	method to test water for the presence of mercury.
amoeba	A single celled protozoan that is widely found in fresh and salt water
portable exchange	Water softeners, deionizers, and filters which are designed for removal from its point of application for transport to a central station or plant for regeneration or servicing.
blowdown	the water drawn from boiler systems and cold water basins of cooling towers to prevent the buildup of solids.
index of biotic integrity	a multi-metric measure of biological condition developed from collection of data for fish or other organisms
maturity	a stage in the evolutionary erosion of land areas where the flat uplands have been widely dissected by deep river valleys.
twister	A slang term used in the United States for a tornado.
protozoa	Small, one-celled animals including amoebae, ciliates, and flagellants.
base flow	The sustained low flow of a stream, usually ground-water inflow to the stream channel.
abyssal depth	In a limnological sense, that depth at which the water remains uniform in temperature, or is "stagnant".
fracture	Wall of sewer visibly separated along the length and/or circumference of the sewer with the pieces of the sewer wall in place
tracer	(1) a foreign substance mixed with or attached to a given substance for the determination of the location or distribution of the substance
camp scar	Camp sites on wilderness and primitive lakes are easily recognized from the water surface and air by their lighter tone and barren character
environmental indicator	a measurement, statistic or value that provides evidence of the effects of environmental management programs or of the state or condition of the environment.
gofethla pula	Rainmaking Rites in Botswana.
conversion	Changing from one substance to another
physical properties	properties of a metal or alloy that are relatively insensitive to structure and can be measured without the application of force; for example:
sedimentation	the act or process of forming or accumulating sediment in layers; the process of deposition of sediment.
retention	That part of the precipitation falling on a drainage area that does not escape as a surface streamflow, during a given period.
mesophyte	any plant growing where moisture and aeration conditions lie between the extremes of "wet" and "dry."
salinity	usually found in estuaries where the amount of salinity is constantly fluctuating.
pics	Products of Incomplete Combustion, ie carbon monoxide (CO2) and other compounds.
tannin	A naturally occurring substance in wood, grapeskins, seeds and stems
backwater	a body of water in which the flow is slowed or turned back by an obstruction such as a bridge or dam, an opposing current, or the movement of the tide.
boundary layer	The layer of reduced velocity in fluids, such as air and water, that is immediately adjacent to the surface of a solid past which the fluid is flowing.
physical weathering	Breaking down of rock into bits and pieces by exposure to temperature and changes and the physical action of moving ice and water, growing roots, and human activities such as farming and construction.
billow	A large wave or swell of water.
runs	An area of swiftly flowing water, without surface agitation or waves, which approximates uniform flow and in which the slope of the water surface is roughly parallel to the overall gradient of the stream reach.
water flow	The rate of flow of water measured in volume and time (e.g., cubic feet per second, or cfs).
campylobacter spp.	a genus of gram-negative microaerophilic or anaerobic, chemoorganotrophic bacteria of the Spirillaceae (a family of helical bacteria in which each cell forms an incomplete turn of a helix, or a number of turns, depending on the species; the cells are rigid and are polarly flagellate); species occur in the mouth, alimentary tract and reproductive organs in man and other animals
check irrigation	A method of irrigation in which an area is practically or entirely surrounded by earth ridges.
waterfall	A sudden, nearly vertical drop in a stream, as it flows over rock.
aquatic habitat	Habitat that occurs in water.
alfalfa valve	A screw-type valve placed on the end of a pipe to regulate the flow of water.
quality factor	The factor by which the absorbed dose (Rad) is multiplied to obtain a quantity that expresses, on a common scale for all ionizing radiation, the biological damage to exposed persons
solution	A homogeneous mixture of a solute in a solvent
turn down ratio	The lowest load at which a boiler will operate efficiently as compared to the boiler's maximum design load.
life zone	major area of plant and animal life; region characterized by particular plants and animals and distinguished by temperature differences.
dissolved oxygen	amount of oxygen gas dissolved in a given quantity of water at a given temperature and atmospheric pressure
high-line jumpers	Pipes or hoses connected to fire hydrants and laid on top of the ground to provide emergency water service for an isolated portion of a distribution system.
cyanophyte	Blue green algae, algae of the division Cyanophyta actually a set of pigmented bacteria.
persistent pesticides	Pesticides remaining in the environment for more than one growing season or for more than one year after applications.
lignin	One of the three main constituents of wood, along with cellulose and hemi-cellulose
unconfined	Conditions in which the upper surface of the Zone of Saturation forms a water table under atmospheric pressure.
soil water tension	The work that must be done per unit quantity of pure water to transport it from free water at the same elevation to soil water
on-site sewage treatment	any individual residential sewage treatment and wastewater dispersal system, such as a septic system.
riparian zone	a stream and all the vegetation on its banks.
biosphere	In its broadest sense, the entire planetary ecosystem including all living organisms and those parts of the earth and its atmosphere in which living organisms exist or that are capable of supporting life, to include, in addition to the plant and animal species:[1] Atmosphereâthe gaseous layer covering the earth;[2] Lithosphereâthe solid portion of the earth's crust and mantle;[3] Hydrosphereâthat portion of the earth composed of liquid water; andAlso referred to as the Ecosphere
hazardous materials	Anything that poses a substantive present or potential hazard to human health or the environment when improperly treated, stored, transported, disposed of, or otherwise managed.
cunette	A longitudinal channel constructed along the center and lowest part of a channel or through a detention or retention facility and intended to carry low flows
copepodites	The penultimate five, out of a total of twelve, life history stages of copepods.
shgc	solar heat gain coefficient
half-life	(1) The time required for a pollutant to lose half its effect on the environment
organotins	chemical compounds used in antifoulant paints to protect the hulls of boats and ships, buoys, and pilings from marine organisms such as barnacles.
promontory	A high ridge of land or rock jutting out into a body of water; a headland.
strand	The land bordering a body of water; a Beach.
crest	A crest is a formation on the top of a reptiles head
bankfull stage	The stage at which a stream first begins overflows its natural banks
selective ion exchange	The use of a selective ion exchange medium with the property of removing specific ions from a solution.
biochemical oxygen demand	(1) A measure of the amount of oxygen removed from aquatic environments by aerobic micro-organisms for their metabolic requirements
orographic	pertaining to mountains, in regard to their location and distribution; said of the precipitation caused by the lifting of moisture-laden air over mountains.
flooding	Temporary inundation of all or part of the floodplain along a well-defined channel or temporary localized inundation occurring when surface water runoff moves via surface flow, swales, channels, and sewers toward well-defined channels
trompe	An apparatus in which water falling through a perforated pipe entrains air into and down the pipe to produce an air blast for a furnace or forge.
blowdown	The water drawn from boiler systems and cold water basins of cooling towers to prevent the buildup of solids.
levigate	(1) To make into a smooth, fine powder or paste, as by grinding when moist; to separate fine particles from coarse by grinding in water
specific gravity	The ratio of the weight of a specific volume of a substance compared to the weight of the same volume of pure water at 4o C.
crustacea	small aquatic invertebrates that are food for fish, free living forms are common in benthic and planktonic samples, some species are parasitic.
eutrophication	the process by which water becomes enriched with plant nutrients, most commonly phosphorus and nitrogen.
capture zone	The zone around a well contributing water to the well; the area on the ground surface from which a well captures water.
conductivity	The amount of electricity the water can conduct
watermark	(1) A mark showing the greatest height to which water has risen
drop spillway	An overfall structure in which water drops over a vertical wall onto a protected apron at a lower elevation.
alluvial fan flooding	Flooding occurring on the surface of an Alluvial Fan or similar landform which originates at the apex and is characterized by high-velocity flows: active processes of erosion, sediment transport, deposition, and unpredictable flow paths.
gradient wind	A steady horizontal air motion along curved parallel isobars or contours in an unchanging pressure or contour field, assuming there is no friction and no divergence or convergence.
flowstone	A layered deposit of calcium carbonate, CaCO3, on rock where water has flowed or dripped, as on the walls of a cave
base metal	the metal present in the largest proportion in an alloy; or the metal to be brazed, cut, soldered or welded; or after welding, that part of the metals which was not melted.
chain-of-custody form	A form that documents sample collection, transport, analysis, and disposal
backset	An eddy or countercurrent in water.
iodine number	A measure of the ability of activated carbon to adsorb substances with low molecular weights
foreshore	Zone between the high water and low water marks.
humus	organic soil formed from decaying organic materials and mineral particles; most humus is black or dark brown, and holds large amounts of water.
polymer	A chemical formed by the union of many monomers (a molecule of low molecular weight)
blue brittleness	brittleness exhibited by some steels after being heated to some temperature within the range of about 400° to 700° F, particularly if the steel is worked at the elevated temperature.
seep	a spot where water contained in the ground oozes slowly to the surface and often forms a pool; a small spring.
oligotrophic	Usually refers to a nutrient-poor body of water with low productivity.
reach	A section of stream between two defined points.
backfill material	earth or other material used to replace material removed during construction.
velocity	In this concept, the speed of water flowing in a watercourse, such as a river.
old field	Cropland that is no longer used to produce an agricultural crop and that has been allowed to revert to natural plant cover.
average year water supply	The average annual supply of a water development system over a long period
euphotic zone	surface layer of an ocean, lake, or other body of water through which light can penetrate
hydrology	The study of the waters of the earth, especially with relation to the effects of precipitation and evaporation upon the occurrence and character of water in streams, lakes, and on or below the land surface.
rapids	A reach of stream that is characterized by small falls and turbulent high velocity water.
most probable number	that number of organisms per unit volume that, in accordance with statistical theory, would be more likely than any other number to be yielded with the greatest frequency in a specific test
check dam	A structure placed bank-to-bank downhill from a headcut on a hillslope to help revegetate a gully.
transparency	An expectation on organisations by society to be open and willing in the acceptance of public scrutiny, thus diminishing the capacity for an organisation to practice or harbour deception or deceit
mouth of stream	The point of discharge of a stream into another stream, a lake, or the sea.
lock	A section of a waterway, such as a canal, closed off with gates, in which vessels in transit are raised or lowered by raising or lowering the water level of that section.
water imports	The artificial transfer (pipes, canals, aqueducts, etc.) of water into one region or subregion from another region
environment	The sum of all external influences and conditions affecting the life and development of an organism or ecological community; the total social and cultural conditions.
ecology	The study of the interrelationships of living organisms to one another and to their surroundings.
supply	a schedule that shows the various quantities of things offered for sale at various prices at a point in time
sediment	Soil or mineral material transported by water or wind and deposited in streams or other bodies of water.
colon bacillus	(Microbiology) A rod-shaped bacterium, especially Escherichia coli (E
montane alkali lakes	Lakes with a water pH greater than 7 found in cool, upland habitats below the timber line.
karl fischer water content	a method of determining trace quantities of water by titration; the Karl Fischer reagant is added in small increments to a glass flask containing the sample until the color changes from yellow to brown or a change in potential is observed at the end point.
point source	A stationary location or fixed facility from which pollutants are discharged; any single identifiable source of pollution; e.g
machining	removing material from a metal part, usually using a cutting tool, and usually using a power-driven machine.
iron fouling	The accumulation of iron on and within an ion exchange resin or filter bed resulting in a reduced capacity of the media.
vat	Tax on the estimated market value added to a product or material at each stage of its manufacture or distribution, ultimately passed on to the consumer.
depuration	A process during which an organism, such as an oyster or clam, eliminates dangerous chemicals or microorganisms when placed in uncontaminated water.
hhwm	High high water mark
bioaccumulation	forest floor: Litter and other organic debris lying on top of the mineral soil of a forest.
taiga	A subarctic, evergreen coniferous forest of northern Eurasia located just south of the Tundra and dominated by firs and spruces
legislation	Law that has been enacted by a governing body.
epidemiology	an investigative approach to disease that looks for the factors that account for the frequency and patterns of disease within defined populations.
nucleation	Any process by which the phase change of a substance to a more condensed state (condensation, sublimation, freezing) is initiated at certain loci, nuclei, within the less condensed state.
macrophyte	A member of the macroscopic plant life, especially of a body of water.
rayon	A generic term for filaments made from various solutions of modified cellulose by forcing or drawing the solution through an orifice and solidifying it in the form of a filament or filaments by means of some coagulating or precipitating medium. See acetate rayon.
oxidation	in a broad sense oxidation is the increase in positive valence of any element in a substance
water witch	A person who predicts the presence of underground water with hand-held tools such as forked twigs (Divining Rod) or metal rods
benthic organism	a form of aquatic life that lives on the bottom or near the bottom of streams, lakes, or oceans.
evaporation	the process by which water is changed to gas or vapor; occurs directly from water surfaces and from the soil.
ozone-depleting substances	See greenhouse gases, carbon dioxide, chlorofluorocarbons, ozone layer, global warming, Montreal Protocol.
topography	Configuration of a surface including its relief and the position of its natural and man-made features.
backflow	Flow of water in a pipe or line in a direction opposite to the normal flow; often associated with back siphonage or the flow of possibly contaminated water into a potable water system.
short circuiting	when some of the water in tanks or basins flows faster than the rest; shortcircuiting may result in shorter contact, reaction, or settling times than calculated or presumed.
foreign policy	A set of goals outlining how the country will interact with other countries economically, politically, socially and militarily, and to a lesser extent, how the country will interact with non-state actors.
pluvial	Of rain, formed by the action of rain, for example a body of water.
composite sample	A mixture of a number of single or "grab" samples, intended to produce a typical or average sample
stream channelization	The process of re-structuring the natural course of a river for navigation or flood protection.
watershed	The area of land from which rainfall (and/or snow melt) drains into a single point
coliphage	any bacteriophage whose host is a strain of E
photochemical smog	collection of harmful materials in the air resulting from the action of sunlight on nitrogen oxides, hydrocarbons, and other chemicals in the air
meromixis	A condition of permanent stratification of water masses in lakes.
iron	An element often found dissolved in ground water (in the form of ferrous iron) in concentrations usually ranging from zero to 10 ppm (mg/l)
leu	Low Enriched Uranium The proportion of U-235 in reactor fuel is 3 to 5 percent; used as reactor fuel.
transitional storage reserve	The quantity of water in storage in a particular groundwater aquifer that is extracted during the transition period between natural equilibrium conditions and new equilibrium conditions with groundwater pumped at perennial yield levels.
normal water level	For a reservoir with a fixed overflow, the lowest crest level of that overflow
seasonality	(Statistics) Periodic, repetitive, and generally predictable patterns in time series data
nursery habitat	habitat where juvenile fish feed or take refuge (e.g., backwater areas, shallow creek margins).
population	In biology, a population is the collection of inter-breeding organisms of a particular species; in sociology, a collection of human beings.
canal	A waterway dug across land through which ships can pass.
source	A point or object from which radiation or contamination emanates.
per capita water use	The water produced by or introduced into the system of a water supplier divided by the total residential population; normally expressed in gallons per capita per day (gpcd).
available water	The portion of water in a soil that can be absorbed by plant roots, usually considered to be that water held in the soil against a tension of up to approximately 15 atmospheres.
chalybeate	Tasting like iron, as water from a mineral spring.
role play	A learning exercise where students take part in a small drama of a hypothetical situation (e.g
toll resource	A resource that is non-subtractable, and can thus be consumed jointly without reducing the benefit of each single user, and from which users can be easily excluded
biomass	plant material, such as trees, grasses and crops, that can be converted to heat energy to produce electricity.
resin	Synthetic organic ion exchange material, such as the high capacity cation exchange resin widely used in water softeners
mil	One thousandth of an inch.
salt marsh	Saltwater wetlands that occur along many coasts.
headwater	(1) The source and upper reaches of a stream; also the upper reaches of a reservoir
tremie	A device used to place concrete or grout under water.
chp	Operation which involves the simultaneous production of electricity and heat from biogas
mesohabitat	basic structural elements of a river or stream such as pools, backwaters, runs, glides, and riffles.
backflow preventor	A device or system installed in a water line to stop backflow from a non-potable source.
navigable waters	The waters of the United States, including the territorial seas, and intrastate waters, which is any body of water with any connection to interstate waters or commerce and this includes virtually all surface water and wetlands
cluster development	Placement of housing and other buildings of a development in groups to provide larger areas of open space between groups.
sanitary sewer	A sewer that transports only wastewaters (from domestic residences and/or industries) to a wastewater treatment plant.
breakdown	failure of insulator or insulating medium to prevent discharge or current flow.
humus	A brown or black organic substance consisting of partially or wholly decayed vegetable or animal matter that provides nutrients for plants and increases the ability of soil to retain water.
silvics	(1) The science treating of the life of trees in the forest
undercut bank/cut bank	The steep or overhanging slope on the outside of a meander curve, typically produced by lateral erosion of the stream
fish and wildlife habitat	areas in and about a stream including air, soil, water, food and cover components of the environment on which wildlife depend directly or indirectly in order to live.
efficiency	A service is efficient if the available resources are used in the best possible way.
allogenic recharge	recharge that occurs in a sinking stream, entering an aquifer through sinkholes or fault planes
exhaust trail	A condensation trail that is visible when water vapor in aircraft exhaust mixes with the air in the vehicle's wake and saturates it
erosion	used in mining some placer deposits to wash the unconsolidated deposits into sluice boxes.
estuarine waters	deepwater tidal habitats and tidal wetlands that are usually enclosed by land but have access to the ocean and are at least occasionally diluted by freshwater runoff from the land (such as bays, mouths of rivers, salt marshes, lagoons).
detritivores	Organisms that consume dead organic matter.
backwater pool	A pool that formed as a result of an obstruction like a large tree, weir, dam, or boulder.
vegetated roof	a roof partially or fully covered by vegetation, used to manage water runoff and provide additional insulation in winter and cooling in summer.
feedlot	A confined area for the controlled feeding of animals
mechanical turbulence	The erratic movement of air or water influenced by local obstructions.
holding time	the maximum amount of time a sample may be stored before analysis.
sand	Small substrate particles, generally referring to particles less than 2 mm in diameter
eddy current	A circular current of water, usually resulting from an obstruction, that develops when the main flow becomes separated from the bank.
fish salvage	the removal of imperiled fish populations by methods delineated in relevant regulation for their protection.
inhibitors	chemicals that can block or slow down activity in a human or other organism, without causing death
jar test	A laboratory test procedure with differing chemical doses, mix speeds, and settling times, to estimate the minimum or ideal coagulant dose required to achieve water quality goals.
human development	A complex concept of development, based on the priority of human well-being, and aimed at ensuring and enlarging human choices which lead to equality of opportunities for all people in society and empowerment of people so that they participate in - and benefit from - the development process.
darcy's law	An empirically derived equation for the flow of fluids through porous media
geographic information system	Computer-based system for capturing, storing, checking, integrating, analysing and displaying geographic data.
direct runoff	The runoff entering stream channels promptly after rainfall or snowmelt.
duf6	Depleted Uranium Hexafluoride
embrittlement	reduction in the normal ductility of a metal due to a physical or chemical change
bromide	A salt which naturally occurs in small quantities in sea water; a compound of bromine.
flood stage	The elevation at which overflow of the natural banks of a stream or body of water begins in the reach or area in which the elevation is measured.
caudal autonomy	A defensive feature found in many lizard and salamander species, where the tail vertebrae are easily broken, so that the tail will break off if it is grabbed by a predator
plumbing	The pipes, fixtures, and other apparatus of a water, gas, or sewage system in a building.
aerosol	a gas that contains suspended solid particles or droplets of liquid able to stay suspended in air because of their very small size (usually less than one micrometer in diameter).
monetary accounts	An account in which the currency is the only unit of measure.
hydraulic classification	The rearrangement of resin particles in an ion exchange unit
fumarole	A hole or orifice in a volcanic region, and usually in lava, from which issue gases and vapors at high temperature.
cir	credit interpretation request
greensand	A natural mineral, primarily composed of complex silicates, which possesses ion exchange properties.
radon	A short lived radioactive gas produced from decaying uranium that is soluble in water
bed load	Sediment that moves near the streambed.
intermittent stream	A watercourse that flows only at certain times of the year, conveying water from springs or surface sources; also, a watercourse that does not flow continuously, when water losses from evaporation or seepage exceed available stream flow.
monitoring	Process whereby the quantity and quality of factors that can affect the environment or human health are measured periodically to regulate and control potential impacts.
grass/forb	Herbaceous vegetation.
saltwater barrier	A physical facility or method of operation designed to prevent the intrusion of saltwater into a body of freshwater.
hybrid	A crossbred animal
butt end	The bottom end of a cutting taken from a riparian plant that will root if planted in soil (it is opposite the budding tip's end of the cutting).
depression	In meteorology, it is another name for an area of low pressure, a low, or trough
intermittently exposed	A water regime in wetland classification in which surface water is present throughout the year except in years of extreme drought.
polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon	A class of organic compounds with a fused-ring aromatic structure
weirs	A regulating device in a sewer that permits dry weather flow in a combined sewer to enter an interceptor, but causes the storm flow to leap over for a controlled overflow.
aqueous	A water solution containing organic and/or inorganic constituents dissolved in solution.
rapid drawdown	Lowering the elevation of water against a bank faster than the bank can drain, leaving a pressure imbalance that may cause the bank to fail.
precipitate	An insoluble reaction product in an aqueous chemical reaction.
pathogens	an abbreviated term for pathogenic bacteria that includes microorganisms that can cause diseases in man
siltation	the deposition and accumulation of very fine particles in waterbodies
in-situ	In the original place
water column	An imaginary column extending through a water body from its floor to its surface.
piezometer	a nonpumping well, generally of small diameter, for measuring the elevation of a water table.
brush mattress	A combination of live stakes, fascines, and live branch cuttings installed to cover and protect stream banks and shorelines.
active groups	Really fixed ions bolted on to the matrix of an ion exchanger
horizon	A layer of soil with physical and chemical properties distinct from layers above and below.
phosphorus	A nutrient essential for growth that can play a key role in stimulating aquatic growth in lakes and streams.
organic compounds	Chemical compounds based on carbon chains or rings and also containing hydrogen, with or without oxygen, nitrogen, and other elements.
ffa	Federal Facilities Agreement When a site is listed on the NPL and becomes a Superfund site, federal law requires that responsible state and federal agencies enter into a Federal Facilities Agreement (FFA)
magazine paper	- The selection of the magazine printing paper is mainly dependent on the print run and the demands on the print quality (image reproduction, outer appearance, advertising appeal)
spray irrigation	application of finely divided water droplets to crops using artificial means.
thunderbird	(Mythology) A spirit of thunder, lightning, and rain in the form of a huge bird in the mythology of certain Native American peoples.
rainfall intensity-duration curve	A curve showing the relationship between average rainfall or precipitation depth (or the rate) and storm duration in a given area.
sandstone	a medium-grained sedimentary rock composed of abundant fragments of sand that are more or less firmly united by a cementing material.
adp	Adenosine diphosphate
slope	The side of a hill or mountain, the inclined face of a cutting, canal or embankment or an inclination from the horizontal.
scour pool	deep pool forming below a plunge point, spillway, or waterfall.
sedimentary rock	A type of rock formed by chemical precipitation or by sedimentation and cementation of mineral grains transported to a site of deposition by water, wind, or ice.
drag	To search or sweep the bottom of a body of water, as with a grappling hook or dragnet.
osmotic potential	The work per unit quantity of pure water that has to be done to overcome the effect of ions in the soil solutions
sequester	A chemical reaction in which certain ions are bound into a stable, water soluble compound, thus preventing undesirable action by the ions.
microorganism	organisms (microbes) observable only through a microscope; larger, visible types are called macroorganisms.
friction losses	Total energy losses in the flow of water due to friction between the water and the walls of a conduit, channel, or porous medium, usually expressed in units of height.
anaerobic	A living system or process that occurs in or is not destroyed by the absence of oxygen.
water budget	(1) (Hydrology) An accounting of the inflows to, the outflows from, and the storage changes of water in a hydrologic unit or system
supercritical water	A type of thermal treatment using moderate temperatures and high pressures to enhance the ability of water to break down large organic molecules into smaller, less toxic ones
wasatch winds	Strong winds blowing easterly out of the Wasatch Mountains in Utah, sometimes reaching speeds greater than 75 miles per hour.
regulation	(Hydrology) The artificial manipulation of the flow of a stream.
non-fish-bearing stream	a stream that is not inhabited by fish, and provides water, food and nutrients to a downstream fish bearing stream or other water body.
backwater pool	A pool that formed from an eddy along a channel margin as a result of an upstream obstruction like a large tree, rootwad, or boulder.
drainage	An area (basin) mostly bounded by ridges or other similar topographic features, encompassing part, most, or all of a watershed and enclosing some 5,000 acres.
egl	Energy grade line - a line that represents the elevation of energy head in feet of water flowing in a pipe, conduit, or channel.
transpiration	The process by which water vapour is released into the atmosphere after transpiring of living plants.
trap efficiency	The ratio of sediment retained within the reservoir to the sediment inflow of the reservoir expressed as a percentage.
cathode	A site in electrolysis where cations in solution are neutralized by electrons that plate out on the surface or produce a secondary reaction with water.
mixed media filtration	A system using two or more dissimilar granular materials (such as anthracite, sand and garnet) blended by size and density
levee	Bank of sand and silt built by a river during floods, where the Suspended Load is deposited in greatest quantity close to the river
geophysical surveys	Techniques used to characterize the subsurface without having to dig up large areas
soft water	Any water that does not contain large concentrations of the dissolved minerals calcium or magnesium.
playa	Generally, a dry or intermittently dry lakebed in the lowest spot of a closed valley
flood fringe	The portion of the floodplain where water depths are shallow and velocities are low.
bend capability	the ability of a sheet to bend but not crease.
biomass	the amount of living matter, in the form of organisms, present in a particular habitat, usually expressed as weight- per-unit area.
polynya	(Russian) An area of open water surrounded by sea ice.
volatile	Capable of vaporization at a relatively low temperature.
initial detention	The volume of water on the ground, either in depressions or in transit, at the time active runoff begins
nanometer	Abbreviated "nm", a unit of length equal to one thousandth of a micrometer
heterotrophic	Non-disease causing bacteria
cyst	A microorganism with a tough protective covering.
vapor blanket	The layer of air which overlies a body of water and, due to its proximity to the water, has a water vapor content higher than that of the surrounding atmosphere.
flush valve	A self-closing valve designed to release a large volume of water when tripped.
member agency	one of 27 member public water providers associated with the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California, from which it purchases water and on whose board it is represented microorganism - an organism of microscopic size, such as bacterium migratory - moving from one area to another on a seasonal basis mitigation - a way in which an agency may offset negative environmental impacts of a project or make the impacts less serious mulch - material spread on the ground to reduce soil erosion and evaporation of water; include hay, plastic sheeting and wood chips municipal water district - a public water provider, owned and operated by more than one city government, which supplies water to its member cities
brinell testing	a test for determining the hardness of a material by forcing a hard steel or carbide ball of specified diameter into it under a specified load
riprap	Usually refers to rocks or concrete structures used to stabilize stream or river banks from erosion.
dispersant	A chemical agent used to break up concentrations of organic material such as spilled oil on a water surface.
secondary stakeholders	The intermediaries in the project or programme delivery process.
stress corrosion cracking	failure by cracking under combined action of corrosion and stress, either external (applied) stress or internal (residual) stress
hydrocarbons	Hydrocarbons refer to the most important class of organic compounds
engineer	one who is trained or professionally engaged in a branch of engineering
force mains	Pipes in which wastewater is transported under pressure; the system is used in some areas having small elevation changes with distance and therefore needing to augment the gravity flow.
steady state	In a system with a flow-through of material (e.g., water) or energy, the equilibrium condition in which the flow in equals the flow out.
settleable solids	in sewage, suspended solids that will settle when the sewage is brought to a quiet state for a reasonable length of time, usually two hours.
sluiceway	(1) An artificial channel, especially one for carrying off excess water
sky cover	The amount of the celestial dome that is hidden by clouds and/or obscurations.
sorting	The sorting of mixed waste into different categories (cardboard, plastics, wooden palettes, etc.) with a view to facilitating treatment through processes specific to each category.
shore	a hardness test in which the loss in kinetic energy of a falling metal "tup" absorbed by indentation upon impact of the tup on the metal being tested, is indicated by the height of rebound.
regeneration	The process of restoring an ion exchange medium to a usable state after exhaustion
basin fill	Unconsolidated material such as sand, gravel, and silt eroded from surrounding mountains and deposited in a valley.
water requirement	The total quantity of water, regardless of its source, required for a specified use under a predetermined or prescribed situation.
diastrophic	(Geology) Pertaining to processes by which the earth's crust is deformed, producing continents, oceans, basins, mountains, and other Geophysical features
habitat enhancement	any manipulation of habitat that improves its value and ability to meet the specified requirements of one or more species.
organic matter	chemical compounds based on carbon chains or rings, and also containing hydrogen with or without oxygen, nitrogen, or other compounds.
u-shaped valleys	U-shaped valleys are characteristic of glacial erosion; valleys eroded by stream action are typically V-Shaped
bed material	The sediment mixture that a stream bed is composed of.
runoff	that portion of precipitation not immediately absorbed into or detained upon the soil and which thus becomes a surface flow
earth observation	EO is the study of Earth and its changing environment by observing the atmosphere, oceans, and land through remote sensing technologies.
farm pond	A water impoundment made by constructing a dam or embankment or by excavating a pit or "dug out".
ambient air	outside air; the air around us.
preliminary site assessment	A PSA is the Division of Environmental Remediation's first investigation of a site
fallow	a phase when land is not being actively cropped
enforceable requirements	Conditions or limitations in permits issued under the Clean Water Act (CWA), Section 202 or 404, that, if violated, could result in the issuance of a compliance order or initiation of a civil or criminal action under federal or applicable state laws.
aqua	Water; an Aqueous solution
totalizing meters	A water measuring (headgate or surface tailwater runoff point) device which registers or accumulates total flow (for example, in acre-feet).
cso	Combined Sewer Overflows occurs when heavy rain or melting snow causes sanitary sewers to overflow into stormwater drainpipes
minimum moisture content	The amount of water in soil during the driest time of the year.
indicator	A value or state used to determine and/or describe the condition of a system.
stream capture	The process whereby a stream rapidly eroding headward cuts into the divide separating it from another drainage basin, and provides an outlet for a section of a stream in the adjoining valley
meadow	An area of moist low-lying grassland usually along a watercourse supporting a more dense stand of grasses and perhaps dwarf shrubs as compared to adjacent more arid uplands.
percolation	the movement, under hydrostatic pressure, of water through interstices of a rock or soil (except the movement through large openings such as caves).
basutoland	Or, Basotholand
noncontributing area	An area within a drainage basin having no direct connection with the basin's principal drainage system.
public-private partnership	A PPP is a locally tailored contract through which the municipality assigns certain tasks to a private-sector company and sets performance targets
order on consent	See Consent Order
anoxia	The absence of oxygen or a pathological deficiency of oxygen.
water quality standard	The combination of a designated use and the maximum concentration of a pollutant which will protect that use for any given body of water
committee	A group of persons chosen to complete certain work.
subsidence	A sinking or downward motion of air, often seen in anticyclones
maximum depth	The greatest depth of the body of water measured in feet and 10ths of feet.
algaecide	One of a group of plant poisons used to kill filamentous algae and phytoplankton.
informal sector	The part of an economy that is characterised by private, usually small-scale, labour-intensive, largely unregulated, and unregistered manufacturing or provision of services
sand filter	(Water Quality) A device used to remove particles from drinking water prior to distribution to customers
flow path	The subsurface course a water molecule or solute would follow in a given ground-water velocity field.
surface casing	The well pipe inserted as a lining nearest to the surface of the ground to protect the well from near-surface sources of contamination.
coalescence	The merging of two water drops into a single larger drop.
geomorphic	pertaining to the form of the Earth or of its surface features.
transparent	A condition where a material is clear enough not to block the passage of radiant energy, especially light.
hydrocarbon	Chemicals that consist entirely of hydrogen and carbon
in-line filtration	a pretreatment method in which chemicals are mixed by flowing water; commonly used in pressure filtration installations.
waste paper	- Paper after it has been used
resilience	the ability of an ecosystem to maintain or restore biodiversity, biotic integrity, and ecological structure and processes following disturbance.
gallon	A common unit of liquid volume; the US gallon has a volume of 231 cubic inches or 3.78533 liters; the British (Imperial) gallon has a volume of 277.418 cubic inches or 4.54596 liters.
surface area	(See filter area.)
hydrocarbon	Any of a series of chemical compounds that consist entirely of carbon and hydrogen.
jig	An apparatus for cleaning or separating crushed ore by agitation in water.
ecoregion	A region characterized by distinctive regional ecological factors, including climate, physiography, vegetation, soil, water and fauna.
public notice	Notification by a regulatory agency (such as EPA or EPD) informing the public of agency actions such as the issuance of a draft permit or scheduling of a hearing
global warming	Global warming results from a build-up of carbon dioxide (CO₂) and other greenhouse gases in the atmosphere; it has been identified by scientists as a major threat to the global environment.
jar test	A laboratory procedure that simulates a water treatment plant's coagulation/flocculation units with differing chemical doses, mix speeds, and settling times to estimate the minimum or ideal coagulant dose required to achieve certain water quality goals.
equal discharge increment	A method used in measuring suspended sediment in a stream wherein samples are obtained at the centroids of equal discharge increments
synergism	The cooperative action of two or more organisms producing a greater total result than the sum of their independent effects; chemicals or muscles in synergy enhance the effectiveness of one another beyond what an individual could have produced.
diaphragm	Thin, flexible disc that moves in response to changes in pressure.
community composting	System at a community level within a defined area with purpose of composting the putrescible fraction of MSW.
specific conductance	The ability of water to conduct electricity; this ability varies in proportion to the amount of ionized minerals in the water.
tributary	A stream that flows into another stream, river, or lake.
kalema	a violent surf that occurs on the coast of the Guinea region, West Africa.
hazardous chemical	Chemical that can cause harm because it is flammable or explosive, or that can irritate or damage the skin or lungs (such as strong acidic or alkaline substances) or cause allergic reactions of the immune system
claybanks	Term applied to lake bluffs, or cliffs, composed almost entirely of till clay or glacial lacustrine clay.
outlet discharge structure	A structure built to protect the downstream end of a dam's outlet pipe from erosion and is often designed to slow the velocity of released water to prevent erosion of the stream channel.
differential pressure	Difference between inlet pressure and outlet pressure of a device.
lotka–volterra model	A first-order nonlinear set of ordinary differential equations that are used to model the interactions between predators and prey
mudflats	Mudflats are large area of mud that the tide washes over twice each day
ferrous ammonium sulfate	light-green, water-soluble crystals used in medicine, analytical chemistry and metallurgy
bcwmc	Bassett Creek Watershed Management Commission
floodway	The channel of a river or other watercourse and the adjacent land area that must be reserved in order to discharge the base flood without cumulatively increasing the water surface elevation more than a designated height.
tailrace	(1) The part of a Millrace below the water wheel through which the spent water flows; the channel which conducts water away from a water wheel
mesa	Table land, flat in nature, moderately elevated, and well drained.
soil vapor survey	A non-invasive method for the detection of volatile or semivolatile organic contaminants in shallow subsurface soil
reservoir	a pond or lake where water is collected and stored until it is needed rills - small grooves, furrows, or channels in soil made by water flowing down over its surface; also another name for a stream - usually a small stream runoff - liquid water that travels over the surface of the Earth, moving downward due to the law of gravity; runoff is one way in which water that falls as precipitation returns to the ocean
resistor	a component of an electrical circuit intended to offer resistance to electrical current flow.
sulfur	A yellowish solid chemical element
left bank	The left-hand bank of a stream viewed when the observer faces downstream.
non-cohesive soil	Soil particles that have no natural resistance to being pulled apart at their point of contact, for example, silt, sand, gravel.
overfish	(1) To fish (a body of water) to such a degree as to upset the ecological balance or cause depletion of living creatures
ld50	The dose of a toxicant that is fatal to 50 percent of the organisms tested in a specific time
water allocation	In a hydrologic system in which there are multiple uses or demands for water, the process of measuring a specific amount of water devoted to a given purpose or use.
artesian aquifer	A commonly used expression, generally synonymous with (but a generally less favored term than) Confined Aquifer
climate variability	Changes in climate around the globe over time
dune swale	A low place among sand dunes, typically moister and often having distinctive vegetation differing from the surrounding sand environment.
skid	Set of equipment mounted on a metal support and prefabricated in a workshop before on site installation
pool	A river feature where above average depth and/or width and below average velocity create a calm river section.
carburization	absorption and diffusion of carbon into solid ferrous alloys by heating
oxbow lake	a U shaped remnant of a part of a meander which forms a lake
gravel support bed	A layer or layers of graded gravel and course sand placed around and above the underdrain metalwork of a water treatment system
organic matter	substances from plants and animals (living organisms); based on carbon compounds.
spaceship world view	fungicide: A pesticide used to protect crop plants and animals from fungi that cause diseases or other damages.
approval	an approval of the comptroller, regional water manager or an engineer under Sections 8 or 9 of the Water Act.
microhabitat	zones of similar physical characteristics within a mesohabitat unit, differentiated by aspects such as substrate type, water velocity, and water depth.
water resource plan	A planning document or process which assesses both sources and uses of water and develops strategies for their most effective and efficient use according to public needs and criteria
edwards outcrop	where the Edwards and associated limestone formations are found at the surface
drop structure	A structure for dropping water to a lower level and dissipating its surplus energy
water penetration	The depth to which irrigation water or rain penetrates the soil before the rate of downward movement becomes negligible.
gas chromatograph/mass spectrometer	A highly sophisticated instrument that identifies the molecular composition and concentrations of various chemicals in water and soil samples.
efficiency	The ratio of output per unit input; the effectiveness of performance of a system; in an ion exchange system, often expressed as the amount of regenerant required to produce a unit of capacity, such as the pounds of salt per kilograin of hardness removal.
tolerance	1)The ability of a living thing to withstand adverse conditions, such as pest attacks, weather extremes, or pesticides
artesian well	a water well drilled into a confined aquifer where enough hydraulic pressure exists for water rise in the well to a height above the top of the aquifer in the subsurface
overfall	An abrupt change in stream channel elevations
fill	(1) (Geology) Any sediment deposited by any agent such as water so as to fill or partly fill a channel, valley, sink, or other depression
saline seeps	Wet areas in non-irrigated soils where soluble salts accumulate from the evaporation of the seeping water and crop or grass production is reduced or eliminated.
cation exchange capacity	The total of exchangeable cations that a soil can adsorb; expressed in milliequivalents per 100 grams (g) of soil.
european commission	The European Commission is the executive body of the European Union
resource directed measures	To provide a framework to ensure sustainable utilisation of water resources to meet ecological, social and economic objectives and to audit the state of South Africa's water resources against these objectives.
hydrograph	A chart that measures the amount of water flowing past a point as a function of time.
desilting area	An area of grass, shrubs, or other vegetation used for inducing the deposition of silt and other debris from flowing water
drainage basin	The area of land that is drained by a river and its tributaries
isobath	An imaginary line on the earth's surface or a line on a map connecting all points which are the same vertical distance above the upper or lower surface of a water-bearing formation or aquifer.
incubator	A small oven-like appliance that is used to heat and grow bacteria samples.
sea breeze front	A coastal phenomena, it is restricted to large bodies of water and their immediate coast lines
drink	(1) To take into the mouth and swallow a liquid such as water
backwashing	Reversing the flow of water back through the filter media to remove entrapped solids.
greenbelt	Strip of natural vegetation growing parallel to a stream that provides wildlife habitat and an erosion and flood buffer zone
drainage area	An area of land that drains to one point; watershed.
molecule	the simplest structural unit of a substance that retains the properties of the substance, and is composed of one or more atoms.
chemical precipitation	(1) the process of utilizing chemicals to produce a separable solid phase within a liquid medium; in analytical chemistry, precipitation is used to separate a solid phase in an aqueous solution
peeling	the detaching of one layer of a coating from another, or from the basis metal, because of poor adherence.
endangerment assessment	A study to determine the nature and extent of contamination at a site on the National Priorities List and the risks posed to public health or to the environment
mpi	Minutes Per Inch
commercial chemical product	A chemical substance that is manufactured or formulated for commercial or manufacturing use.
thermocline	(1) The region in a thermally stratified body of water which separates warmer oxygen-rich surface water from cold oxygen-poor deep water and in which temperature decreases rapidly with depth
seat ring	The part of a valve where the pallet rests and allows for gas-tight sealing.
siltation	the deposition, in a water body, of sediments (e.g
alluvial	An adjective referring to soil or earth material which has been deposited by running water, as in a riverbed, flood plain, or delta.
grade stabilization structure	A structure for the purpose of stabilizing the grade of a gully or other watercourse, thereby preventing further head-cutting or lowering of the channel grade.
total phosphate	Phosphorus present in natural waters is usually found in the form of phosphates (PO
energy dissipation	The loss of kinetic energy of moving water due to internal turbulence, bottom friction, large rocks, debris, or other obstacles that impede flow.
surface mining	The process of removing mineral deposits that are found close enough to the surface so that the construction of tunnels (underground mining) is not necessary
flowline	(1) The general path that a particle of water follows under laminar flow conditions
insect	An invertebrate animal of the Class Insecta
disinfection	The decontamination of fluids and surfaces
intertidal zone	That area of coastal land that is covered by water at high tide and uncovered at low tide.
hydrosphere	Considered as the water portion of the earth's surface
demineralisation	Processes to remove minerals from water, usually the term is restricted to ion exchange processes.
basin	A segment or portion of a larger watershed area, based on the natural water drainage pattern.
d-value	The deviation of actual altitude along a constant pressure surface from the standard atmosphere altitude of that surface.
clearing	removing vegetation, particularly trees and shrubs, from a landscape, often with the intention of replacing it with plants regarded to be more directly useful to humans
biofuel	Gaseous or liquid fuel from biomass
water main	A principal pipe in a system of pipes for conveying water, especially one installed underground.
method detection limit	The minimum concentration of a substance that can be accurately identified and measured with current laboratory technologies.
centralized headquarters	Control of a canal project from a central location generally by a master station, communications network, and one or more remote terminal units (RTUs).
snow flurry/flurries	Light showers of snow, generally very brief without any measurable accumulation
moraine	An accumulation of boulders, stones, or other debris carried and deposited by a glacier
oxidation-reduction potential	The electric potential required to transfer electrons from the oxidant to the reductant, used as a qualitative measure of the state of oxidation in water treatment systems.
heavy water	Water in which all the hydrogen atoms have been replaced by deuterium.
assimilate	To take in, similar to eating food.
photosynthesis	The synthesis of compounds with the aid of light.
cirque	a deep, steep-walled half-bowllike recess or hollow situated high on the side of a mountain and commonly at the head of a glacial valley and produced by the erosive activity of mountain glaciers.
khoisan	Languages indigenous to southern and eastern Africa.
bode plot	A special class of transfer function that relates the frequency of the input, such as a stimulus that triggers a signalling cascade, to the output of the system, such as the amplitude of the response.
wet sclerophyll	a type of eucalypt forest found in high rainfall (more than 1000 mm per year) areas; sometimes called 'tall-open forests' (see dry sclerophyll)
parasite	An animal that lives inside another plant or animal living off that plant or animals nutrients
hardpan	a relatively hard, impervious, and usually clayey layer of soil lying at or just below land surface-produced as a result of cementation by precipitation of insoluble minerals.
lag time	the time from the center of a unit storm to the peak discharge or center of volume of the corresponding unit hydrograph.
toxic	Harmful to living organisms.
conjunctive management	integrated management and use of two or more water resources, such as an aquifer and a surface water body.
degasification	A water treatment process that removes dissolved gases from the water.
guttation	The loss of water in liquid form from the uninjured leaf or stem of the plant, principally through water stomata (the microscopic opening in the epidermis of plants, surrounded by guard cells and serving for gaseous exchange); the exudation of water from leaves as a result of root pressure.
thiokol	A trademark used for any of various polysulfide polymers in the form of liquids, water dispersions, and rubbers used in seals and sealants.
water potential	The capability of soil water to do work as compared with free water.
saltwater	water with a high concentration of salt; sometimes used synonymously with seawater or saline water.
anaerobic bacteria	Bacteria that lives without oxygen.
organic	any chemical containing the element carbon overdraft - condition that occurs in a groundwater basin when pumping exceeds the amount of replenishment over a period of years ozone - a gas that is bubbled through water to kill germs
displacement	distance by which portions of the same geological layer are offset from each other by a fault.
nonpoint source pollution	(NPS) pollution that cannot be traced to a single point (e.g., outlet or pipe) because it comes from many individual sources or a widespread area (typically, urban, rural, and agricultural runoff).
hydrograph	A graphic representation or plot of changes in the flow of water or in the elevation of water level plotted against time
irrigation	The artificial application of water to the soil usually used to assist in growing crops in dry areas and during periods of inadequate rainfall.
hydrocarbons	organic compounds of hydrogen and carbon, whose densities, boiling points and freezing points increase as their molecular weights increase
tapered aeration	A modification of the activated sludge process wherein air is introduced at a higher rate at the head of the tank than in subsequent sections.
biochemical-oxygen demand	the amount of oxygen, in milligrams per liter, that is removed from aquatic environments by the life processes of micro-organisms.
reuse water	Water used repeatedly.
thermohaline	In oceanography, it pertains to when both temperature and salinity act together
point precipitation	Precipitation at a particular site, in contrast to the mean precipitation over an area.
levee	A natural or man-made earthen obstruction along the edge of a stream, lake, or river
pool	A small part of a stream reach with little velocity, commonly with water deeper than surrounding areas.
aggregates	Particles of rock that are used in a bound or unbound form in construction.
weathering	The decay and breakup of rocks on the earth's surface by natural chemical and mechanical processes
algal bloom	Rapid growth of algae on the surface of lakes, streams, or ponds; stimulated by nutrient enrichment (or due to an increase in plant nutrients such as nitrates and phosphates)
flash flood	A sudden flood of great volume, usually caused by a heavy rain
sewage treatment	The processing of wastewater for the removal or reduction of contained solids or other undesirable constituents.
drop-off	Recyclable materials collection method in which individuals bring them to a designated collection site.
silt	Tiny pieces of sand or rocks
variance	The second-order moment of a probability distribution; it characterizes the width of the distribution.
multivalent	Relating to the association of three or more homologous chromosomes during the first division of meiosis.
protocol	An instrument of implementation of the SADC Treaty, having the same legal force as the Treaty.
acidity	a measure of the capacity of a solution to neutralize bases Adit
hydroelectric power water use	The use of water in the generation of electricity at plants where the turbine generators are driven by falling water.
aquatic microbiology	Study of microscopic plants and animals and their interrelationships.
semivolatile organic compound	Operationally defined as a group of synthetic organic compounds that are solvent-extractable and can be determined by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry
entropy	secondary consumer: A carnivore that feeds on primary consumers (or herbivores).
plankton	microscopic floating plant and animal organisms of lakes, rivers, and oceans.
gravitational water	Water that moves into, through, or out of a soil or rock mass under the influence of gravity.
underflow	(1) (Surface and Groundwater) The downstream flow of water through the permeable deposits underlying a stream
emergent plant	A plant that grows in shallow water with the root system submerged under the water and the upper vegetation rising above the water surface
subirrigated land	Land with a high water table condition, either natural or artificially controlled, that normally supplies a crop irrigation requirement.
aeration tank	A chamber used to inject air into water.
periodic chart	Arrangement of elements in order of increasing atomic numbers, created by a scientist called Mendelejef.
siltation	the deposition or accumulation of fine soil particles.
pump station	A station housing relatively large pumps and their appurtenances
evaporites	a class of sedimentary rocks composed primarily of minerals precipitated from a saline solution as a result of extensive or total evaporation of water.
freshwater chronic criteria	The highest concentration of a contaminant that freshwater aquatic organisms can be exposed to for an extended period of time (4 days) without adverse effects
enhancement	Emphasis on improving the value of particular aspects of water and related land resources.
transpiration	direct transfer of water from the leaves of living plants to the atmosphere
recycling	the collection, reprocessing, marketing and use of materials that were diverted or recovered from the solid waste stream.
grab sample	a single sample of wastewater taken at neither set time nor flow.
suspended load	All the material transported by a stream or river, neither in contact with the river bottom (Bed Load) nor in solution (Dissolved Load).
heavy metals	a general term given to the ions of metallic elements such as copper, zinc, chromium, and aluminum
submersible	(Nautical) A vessel capable of operating or remaining under water.
hydrosol	A disperse system (colloid) in which water is the disperse medium.
backrush	the seaward return of water after the landward motion of a wave
blowdown	Trees felled by high winds.
composite sample	A mixture of a number of single or "grab" samples intended to produce a typical or average sample when wide variations in quality or characteristics may occur; may be made up of equal volumes of individual samples or of single samples proportioned to variations in flow or usage.
micrograms per kilogram	A way of expressing dose: micrograms (ug) of a substance per kilogram (kg) of body weight or soil.
diatomaceous	consisting of or abounding in diatoms, a class of unicellular or colonial algae having a silicified cell wall that persists as a skeleton after death.
petrify	To convert (organic matter) into stone or a substance of stony hardness by the infiltration of water and the deposition of dissolved mineral matter .
land voiding	The process of damaging land by gully action causing this land to be unproductive for agricultural uses and relegating its use primarily to wildlife and recreation.
floodproofing	Floodproofing is making efforts to prevent moisture from forming, or preventing water from entering, your home.
kdfwr	Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources
nitrogen oxides	Term used to describe the sum of nitric oxide (NO), nitric dioxide (NO2), and other oxides of nitrogen, which plays a major role in the formation of ozone
circulatory system	Bodily system responsible for blood transport.
abandoned water right	A water right which has not been put to Beneficial Use for generally five or more years, in which the owner of the water right states that the water right will not be used, or takes such actions that would prevent the water from being beneficially used
outflow channel	A natural stream channel that transports reservoir releases.
hydraulic classification	A process in which particles of the same specific gravity may be graded according to size by backwashing or other relative upward flow of water, with the smallest particles tending to rise to the top of the bed, and largest particles tending to sink to the bottom, because of variations in weight to sur area ratios.
sediment	Solid particles entrapped in the biogas stream.
convective rainfall	The formation of precipitation due to surface heating of the air at the ground surface
submerged aquatic vegetation	Vegetation rooted in the substrate of a body of water (usually no deeper than 10 feet), that does not characteristically extend above the water surface and usually grows in associations or beds
saxicolous	A term used to describe organisms that live on rocks and in rock crevices.
magnesium	No specific recommendation, but high calcium is associated with hardness, total dissolved solids problems and can cause aesthetic problems.
federal disaster area	Before a community is eligible for disaster assistance from the federal government, it must be declared a Federal Disaster Area
climate	Meteorological elements that characterize the average and extreme conditions of the atmosphere over a long period of time at any one place or region of the earth's surface.
extinct	No longer in existence.
flood zone	A natural area adjacent to a stream or river where water overflows during extreme storm events
head	A measure of the pressure at a point tin a water system: expressed in pounds per square or in the height of a column of water which would produce the pressure.
erodible	Susceptible to Erosion.
reptile	A cold-blooded vertebrate of the class Reptilia
emission plume	Energy from Waste
waterway	(Nautical) A navigable body of water, such as a river, channel, or canal.
quality characteristic	any dimension, mechanical property, physical property, functional characteristic or appearance characteristic that can be used as a basis for measuring the quality of a unit of product or service.
domestic water	Water supplied to individual dwellings and other land uses which is suitable for drinking.
pioneer plant	herbaceous annual and perennial seedling plants that colonize bare areas as a first stage in secondary succession.
heat of vaporization	the amount of heat necessary to convert a liquid (water) into vapor.
rotation	(Irrigation) Water delivery where a relatively constant supply flow is rotated to different users at varying times.
canoe trail	Connected lakes or closely associated lakes and streams used as canoe routes
hydrologic unit	A distinct watershed or river basin defined by an 8-digit code.
icicle	A tapering spike of ice formed by the freezing of dripping or falling water.
contracting	An activity through which a competitive tender is awarded by municipality to a private firm to provide defined aspects of the overall MSWM service, for a fixed period
autochthonous	Material produced within a river ecosystem, e.g
root zone	The subsurface zone from the land surface to the depth interwoven by plant roots.
saltation	Particles bouncing down a river bed
guild	a group of species or organisms that use the same environmental resources (habitat, food source, etc.) or life history strategy (such as reproduction) in the same way.
bulk sediment analysis	Analysis of soil material or surface sediment deposits to determine the size and relative amounts of particles composing the material.
unsaturated	any chemical compound with more than one bond between adjacent atoms, usually carbon, and thus reactive toward the addition of other atoms at that point; for example: olefins, diolefins, and unsaturated fatty acids.
jackson turbidity unit	An obsolete unit of turbidity measurement based on a suspension of a specific type of silica with the turbidity measured in a Jackson Candle Turbidimeter (contract to "Nephelometric Turbidity Unit").
light water reactor	A nuclear power plant which uses ordinary Water (H2O) as distinguished from one that uses Heavy Water (D2O) or Deuterium Oxide
thermal regeneration	Step of regenerating a chemical solvent by heat in order to use it again in a washing column
deposition	the laying down of material by erosion or transport by water or air.
break	(1) To emerge above the surface of the water
santa ana winds	The hot, dry winds, generally from the east, that funnel through the Santa Ana river valley south of the San Gabriel and San Bernadino Mountains in southern California, including the Los Angeles basin
chezy's equation	the empirical equation used to estimate the hydraulic conditions of flow within a channel cross section
anvil	The upper portion of a cumulonimbus cloud that becomes flat and spread-out, sometimes for hundreds of miles downstream from the parent cloud
bank stability	The properties of a stream bank that counteract erosion, for example, soil type, and vegetation cover.
thermal shut-off valve	A valve that immediately shuts-off gas flow when the fusible element is subjected to excessive heat.
tasc	Technical Advisory Sub-Committee
periphyton	Micro-organisms that coat rocks, plants, and other surfaces on lake bottoms.
soil conservation	The use of land, within the limits of economic practicability, according to its capabilities and its needs to keep it permanently productive.
steam	The vapor that forms when water is heated to the boiling point
vapor	a substance in the form of a gas having no Fixed shape.
estuarine	(1) Of, pertaining to, or formed in, an Estuary
average annual recharge	amount of water entering the aquifer on an average annual basis
chute	portion of the channel with homogeneous depths and velocity.
senile	(Geology) Worn away nearly to the base level, as at the end of an erosion cycle.
neutralization	In general, the addition of either and acid or a base to a solution as required to produce a neutral solution
sludge	the solids (and accompanying water and organic matter) which are separated from sewage or industrial wastewater in treatment plant facilities
gravel	rock measuring 0.5 to 2.5 inches in diameter with no more than three percent of the material passing a number 200 sieve screen (0.074 millimeter diameter openings).
eutrophic lake	Shallow, murky bodies of water that have excessive concentrations of plant nutrients causing excessive algal production.
erosion control	The application of necessary measures including artificial structures, vegetative manipulation, water control, or physical soil changes to minimize soil erosion.
total inorganic phosphate	A measure of the concentration of usable phosphorus (soluble Phosphates) contained in a body of water
subclimax	(Ecology) A stage in the ecological succession of a plant or animal community immediately preceding a Climax, and often persisting because of the effects of fire, flood, or other conditions.
mean depth	The average depth of water in a stream channel or conduit
sediment load	The total sediment, including bedload, being moved by flowing water in a stream at a specified cross section.
monitoring	specific testing that all public water systems must perform on a frequent and regular basis for detection and safety purposes
mercury	The MCL is 0.002 mg/L for organic mercury
"right of free capture"	The idea or concept that the water under a person's land belongs to that person and they are free to capture and use as much as they want
keratinized scale	Scales containing keratin, which is a hard, tough, non-soluble protein produced in the epidermis of both reptiles and amphibians.
hydrologic unit	is a geographic area representing part or all of a surface drainage basin or distinct hydrologic feature.
reduction	A chemical reaction in which ions gain electrons to reduce their positive valence.
hydrography	The study, description, and mapping of oceans, lakes, and rivers, especially with reference to their navigational and commercial uses.
corrosion evaluation	monitoring the deterioration of a metal by chemical or electrochemical reaction with its environment.
heterogeneous	Consisting of dissimilar ingredients or constituents.
gulf	a large area of sea or ocean partially enclosed by land.
antecedent precipitation	Precipitation which occurred prior to a particular time over a specific area or Drainage Basin
initial dilution	the process that results in the rapid and irreversible turbulent mixing of effluent and receiving water around the point of discharge.
enteric viruses	a category of viruses related to human excreta found in waterways.
sand	Small substrate particles, generally from 0.6 to 2.0 mm in diameter
riverwash	Barren alluvial land, usually coarse-textured, exposed along streams at low water, and subject to shifting during normal high water.
flow rate	The quantity of water or regenerant which passes a given point in a specified unit of time, often expressed in gallons per minute.
plasma coatings	a thermal spraying process in which the coating material is melted with heat from a plasma torch that generates a nontransferred arc; molten coating material is propelled against the basis metal by the hot, ionized gas issuing from the torch.
course	The route or path taken by flowing water, such as a stream or river.
anathermal	(Climatology) The period preceding the Altithermal; the early Holocene epoch from about 10,000-7,000 years before the present
manhole	A subsurface structure in which two or more pipes meet, with person access from the ground surface.
organism	Any form of life.
instream window	also referred to as the "instream work window" and "instream reduced risk work window"
langelier index	An index reflecting the equilibrium pH of a water with respect to calcium and alkalinity; used in stabilizing water to control both corrosion and scale deposition.
quality control	the routine applications of procedures for obtaining prescribed standards of performance in the monitoring and measurement process; the overall system of activities whose purpose is to control the quality of a product or service, so that it meets the needs of users
injection zone	a geological formation receiving fluids through a well.
ntp	Normal conditions of temperature and pressure. Whenever this term is used, it refers to a gas measured at a pressure one (1) atmosphere absolute (760 mm
photosynthesis	The process of conversion of water and carbon dioxide to carbohydrates
sediment pool	The reservoir space allotted to the accumulation of submerged sediment during the life of the structure.
hardpan	a shallow layer of earth material which has become relatively hard and impermeable, usually through the deposition of minerals
scale	A deposit of mineral solids on the interior surfaces of water lines and containers, often formed when water containing the carbonates or bicarbonates of calcium and magnesium is heated.
peri-urban	low density housing and road development on the periphery of urban areas, still retaining small areas of rural land within networks of suburban building
channel	A stream, river, or artificial waterway that periodically or continuously contains moving water
sulfur bacteria	the bacteria that oxidize sulfur compounds, precipitating sulfur or producing noxious sulfur gases such as hydrogen sulfide
geogrid	a deformed or non-deformed regular grid structure of polymeric material formed by joined intersecting ribs used for reinforcement with foundations, soil, rock, earth, or other geotechnical engineering related material
saturation point	That point at which a soil or an aquifer will no longer absorb any amount of water without losing an equal amount.
acid	any substance capable of giving up a proton; a substance that ionizes in solution to give the positive ion of the solvent; a solution with a pH measurement less than 7.
sludge volume index	A laboratory test result used to indicate the rate at which Sludge is to be returned from the discharge end of an Aeration Tank to the inflow (upstream) end
maximum contaminant level	The designation given by the U.S
sill	(1) A submerged ridge at relatively shallow depth separating the basins of two bodies of water
carapace	The shell covering the back (top) of a turtle, crab, or other animal.
algae	Chlorophyll-bearing nonvascular, primarily aquatic species that have no true roots, stems, or leaves; most algae are microscopic, but some species can be as large as vascular plants.
saturate	To treat or charge something to the point where no more can be absorbed, dissolved, or retained
magnesium	One of the elements making up the earth's crust, the compounds of which when dissolved in water make the water hard
prescribed water rights	Water rights to which legal title is acquired by long possession and use without protest of other parties
turing test	In computer science, a hypothetical test that is meant to decide whether a machine is displaying intelligent behaviour.
conservation	protection, preservation, management, or restoration of a resource Consumptive Water Use
debris flow	A moving mass of rock fragments, soil, and mud with more than one-half of the material being larger than sand size.
distillation	the process of heating a liquid to its boiling point, removing the vapors through a cooling and condensing apparatus, and finally collecting the condensed liquid in a separate receiver
bed	The filter media or ion exchange resin in a column or other tank or operational vessel.
plant community	(Biology) An assemblage of plants characterized or dominated by certain species.
narrow	(1) A body of water with little width that connects two larger bodies of water
shrink-swell potential	The susceptibility of soil to volume change due to loss or gain in moisture content.
anomalous	Something that deviates from the normal or common order or form or rule.
gas	A state of matter; a substance that generally exists in the gaseous phase at room temperature.
npdes	See National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES).
bioremediation	a process to reduce contaminant levels in soil or water by using microorganisms or vegetation Biota
light water	(Chemistry and Physics) Ordinary water, H2O, as compared to Heavy Water.
radioisotopes	Radioactive isotopes.
mdea	Type of amine used in carbon dioxyde capture
consent decree	A negotiated agreement by the City to implement a court-ordered directive to evaluate and implement short and long-term plans for eliminating water quality violations
pre-consumer waste	- any waste, printed or unprinted, generated in the fabrication or conversion of finished paper. Before use by a consumer as a final end product.
common property resources	Renewable natural resources with the characteristics of a common pool resource (i.e., subtractive consumption, difficult to exclude users) but to which access is controlled in some manner, typically by the group or unit that manages the resource.
acidic	the condition of water or soil that contains a sufficient amount of acid substances to lower the pH below 7.0.
cercla-reportable release	A release to the environment that exceeds reportable quantities as defined by the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act
sphericity	A measure of the roundness and wholeness of an ion exchange resin bead.
relaxation oscillator	An oscillator made up of two states and characterized by cycles of relatively long persistence in a state followed by rapid transitions to the other state.
mammal	A warm-blooded vertebrate animal characterized by hair on the skin and milk-producing mammary glands in females.
carbonic acid	A weak, unstable acid, H2CO3, present in solutions of carbon dioxide and water
tensile bar	a molded, cast or mechanical specimen of specified cross-sectional dimensions used to determine the tensile properties of a material by use of a calibrated pull test
tidal volume	The volume of water entering and leaving a bay or salt marsh as the water level fluctuates because of the tides.
residual detention storage	Detention storage existing at the end of a period of excess rain.
falls	A waterfall or other precipitous descent of water.
bend	A change in the direction of a stream channel in plan view.
seep	a small area where water percolates slowly to the land surface.
omg	- old magazine
species	a group of plants, animals or micro-organisms that have a high degree of similarity and generally can interbreed only amongst themselves to produce fertile offspring, so that they maintain their 'separateness' from other such groups
intermontane	situated between or surrounded by mountains, mountain ranges, or mountainous regions.
embeddedness	a measure of the degree that gravel and larger substrates are surrounded by fine particles (silt and sand).
saturated thickness	The thickness of the portion of the aquifer in which all pores, or voids, are filled with water
wastewater reclamation	The planned reuse of waste water for specific beneficial purposes.
dew	Condensation in the form of small water drops that forms on grass and other small objects near the ground when the temperature has fallen to the dew point, generally during the nighttime hours.
shrub	A woody plant which at maturity is usually less than 6 m (20 feet) tall and generally exhibits several erect, spreading, or prostrate stems and has a bushy appearance; e.g., speckled alder (Alnus rugosa) or buttonbush (Cephalanthus occidentalis).
limnetic	Referring to a standing water Ecosystem (ponds or lakes); of, relating to, or inhabiting the open water of a body of fresh water, as a limnetic environment or Limnetic Zone.
finite element	a method of solving the governing equations of a numerical model by dividing the spatial domain into elements in each of which the solution of the governing equations is approximated by a continuous function.
phytoplankton	Microscopic floating plants, mainly algae, that live suspended in bodies of water and that drift about because they cannot move by themselves or because they are too small or too weak to swim effectively against a current.
thank-you-ma'am	(Derived from its causing a nodding of the head] A bump or depression in a road; especially a ridge or hollow made across a road on a hillside to cause water to run off and thereby minimize erosion
contamination	Deposition of unwanted material on the surfaces of structures, areas, objects, or personnel
detritivore	deductive logic: Logic in which initial assumptions are made and conclusions are then drawn from those assumptions
primary production	The production of organic matter, such as new cells, mainly by photosynthetic plants.
worker protection standards	Standards designed to reduce the risks of illness or injury resulting from workers' and handlers' occupational exposures to pesticides used in the production of agricultural plants on farms or in nurseries, greenhouses, and forests and also from the accidental exposure of workers and other persons to such pesticides
amr	Automated Meter Reading; a system for automatically collecting and transferring data to a central database for analysis and billing.
hovercraft	A vehicle that is supported above the surface of land or water by a cushion of air produced by downwardly directed fans.
steam turbine	A device for converting energy of high-pressure steam (produced in a boiler) into mechanical power which can then be used to generate electricity.
hydropneumatic	A water system, usually small, in which a water pump is automatically controlled by the pressure in a compressed air tank.
gulf	A gulf is a part of the ocean (or sea) that is partly surrounded by land (it is usually larger than a bay).
utility water use	Water supplied from a Public Water Supply System and used for such purposes as firefighting, street washing, and municipal parks and swimming pools
stewardship	(Ecology) Administrative and/or custodial actions taken to preserve and protect the Natural Resources, particularly the plant (Flora) and animal (Fauna) life, of an area or Ecosystem.
circuit	a path through which an electrical current can flow when the path is complete.
dwell time	The period during which a dynamic process remains halted in order that another process may occur.
sampling bag	the bags used for collecting air samples from the field
ohm	A unit of measure determining the resistance to passage of an electrical current
resources	That which is, or may be, readily available as a source of supply or support
herbivore	Plant eater, vegitarian
ozone generator	A device that generates ozone by passing a voltage through a chamber that contains oxygen
corrugation irrigation	Spreading water by directing it into small channels across the field
resin	Synthetic organic ion exchange material, such as the high capacity cation exchange resin widely used in water softeners.
nitrate nitrogen	Nitrates are commonly found in well water from agricultural areas
tinaja	a pocket of water developed below a waterfall; a term used in the Southwestern United States; used loosely to mean a temporary pool.
gcm	Models that simulate complex processes in the atmosphere, including the impacts of climate change from future increases in green house gas emissions
limnetic zone	The open water of a pond or lake supporting Plankton growth
spray	(1) A cloud or mist of fine liquid particles, as of water from breaking waves
sedimentation	the deposition of suspended matter carried in water by gravity, usually the result of reduced water velocity below its ability to transport the material in suspended form.
conifer	A tree belonging to the order Gymnospermae, comprising a wide range of trees that are mostly evergreens
molecules	Combinations of two or more atoms of the same or different elements held together by chemical bonds.
container	Closed metal structure for the transport of goods or the installation of equipment to shelter from the weather
bathymetric	related to the measurement of water depth within a water body.
porosity	The percentage of the total volume of a given body of rock that is pore space
riparian	Pertaining to or situated on the bank of a natural body of flowing water.
instrument shelter	A boxlike structure designed to protect temperature measuring instruments from exposure to direct sunshine, precipitation, and condensation, while at the same time time providing adequate ventilation.
low	(1) Situated below the surrounding surfaces as in water standing in low spots
critical habitat	habitat used by species at risk or habitat critical to sustaining local populations of a species, because of its rareness, productivity, and sensitivity
body fluid	the total body water, contained principally in blood plasma and in intracellular and interstitial fluids
pharmaceutical grade water	The definition of six grades of water by the U.S
cliff	Often used interchangeably with bank and bluff, in technical descriptions cliff is preferred for the wave-cut nearly vertical acclivity or abrupt slope which borders the waterline, or marks the position of the present or former shore lines of lakes.
wet pond	a permanent pool of water, if constructed, designed to temporarily detain collected runoff and provide flood control, streambank erosion protection and water quality improvements through uptake and conversion by algae and aquatic plants, filtering through root mats.
habitat	the specific area in which a particular type of plant or animal lives Hazardous Waste
stagnation point	A place in a ground-water flow field at which the ground water is not moving
inert	Inertness refers to the chemical inactivity of an element, compound or waste
standard permeability	The permeability corresponding to a temperature of 60F.
titration	An analytical technique to determine how much of a substance is present in a water sample by adding another substance and measuring how much of that substance must be added to produce a reaction.
wallow	A pool of water or mud where animals go to wallow; the depression, pool, or pit produced by wallowing animals.
snow density	The ratio of the volume of meltwater derived from a sample of snow and the initial volume of the sample
bellot winds	Refers to the winds in the Canadian Arctic that blow through the narrow Bellot Strait between Somerset Island and the Boothia Peninsula, connecting the Gulf of Boothia and Franklin Strait.
sole source aquifer	An aquifer that is the sole or principal source (50 percent or more) of drinking water for a geographical area, as established under Section 1424(e) of the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA)
feedstock	Raw material supplied to a machine or processing plant from which other products can be made
wastewater	water containing human excreta, food waste, wash water and other wastes commonly discharged into a water-carried sewage disposal system, and such diluting water as may have entered the waste disposal system
wing walls	a wall along the side of a spillway (or other structure) that extends beyond the spillway to retain earth
fluidized	A mass of solid particles that is made to flow like a liquid by injection of water or gas is said to have been fluidized
biodisc	(Water Quality) A large rotating cylinder possessing surface features that allow for the growth of attached microorganisms
chlorofluorocarbons	Organic compounds made up of atoms of carbon, chlorine, and fluorine
sea mile	A unit of length distinguished from a nautical mile
kinetics	The study of the relationships between temperature, motion, and the velocity of very small particles
atom	The smallest particle of an element that can exist either alone or in combination with similar particles of the same element or a different element.
braided channel	A stream characterized by flow within several channels, which successively meet and divide
discharge coefficient	(Hydraulics) The ratio of actual rate of flow to the theoretical rate of flow through orifices, weirs, or other hydraulic structures.
threshold pollutant	substance that is harmful to a particular organism only above a certain concentration, or threshold level.
mineralization	The release of inorganic chemicals from organic matter in the process of aerobic or anaerobic decay.
zone of contribution	The area surrounding a pumping well that encompasses all areas or features that supply ground-water recharge to the well.
duplicates	Two separate samples with separate containers taken at the same time and at the same place.
higher-order moment	For a probability distribution, a number that characterizes the shape of the distribution, as opposed to the mean.
spread/spreading	A method of recharging a Ground Water Basin by diverting water to a highly-pervious area for Percolation into the basin
riprap	Rock or other material with a specific mixture of sizes referred to as a "gradation" used to stabilize streambanks or riverbanks from erosion or to create habitat features in a stream.
mulching	Any loose covering of soil with organic residues, such as grass, straw, or wood fibers, to check erosion and stabilize exposed soil.
channel	An area that contains continuously or periodically flowing water that is confined by banks and a stream bed.
electrodiaysis	A process in which a direct current is applied to a cell to draw charged ions through ion-selective semi-permeable membranes, thus removing the ions from the solution.
solubility	The amount of mass of a compound that will dissolve in a unit volume of water.
boathouse	A building for storing boats.
harvested rainwater	The rain that falls on a roof or yard and is channeled by gutters or channels to a storage tank
rainfall rate	The amount of precipitation occurring in a unit of time; generally expressed in inches per hour.
high water mark	A mark indicating the highest level reached by a body of water.
nitrogen fixation	the conversion of gaseous nitrogen into more complex molecules that can be used by plants and other organisms; often carried out by micro-organisms in the soil or closely associated with some plant species (e.g
disaster area	An area that officially qualifies for emergency governmental aid as a result of a catastrophe, such as an earthquake or a flood.
bone char	A black pigment substance with a carbon content of about 10 percent, made by carbonizing animal bones
capillary action	(1) The action by which water is drawn around soil particles because there is a stronger attraction between the soil particles and the water molecules themselves
biocide	A chemical which can kill or inhibit the growth of lining organisms such as bacteria, fungi, molds, and slime
symbol	Something on a map that stands for something else.
disturbed lot area	the part of a site that is directly affected by construction activity, including any activity that would compact the soil or damage vegetation.
tropical depression	A tropical cyclone in which the maximum sustained surface winds are 38 miles per hour (33 knots) or less
public water system	A system that provides piped water for human consumption to at least 15 service connections or regularly serves 25 individuals.
bankfull discharge	The level of flow occurring when water overflows the channel banks and begins to spread onto the floodplain.
pathogens	Any virus, bacteria, or fungi that cause disease.
deinkability	- Suitability of recovered paper for deinking; depends on paper grade, printing process used, age of paper, and other factors
aquarium	(1) A tank, bowl, or other water-filled enclosure in which living fish or other aquatic animals and plants are kept
organelles	in eukaryotic cells that carry out photosynthesis, where the chlorophyll pigments and related enzymes are located, specialized structures that carry out photosynthesis in plants and algae.
are	A metric unit of land measure equal to 100 square meters or 1/100 Hectare (119.6 square yards)
atom	the smallest particle of an element which can exist alone or enter into a chemical combination.
radical	A group of atoms that is capable of remaining unchanged during a series of chemical reactions
divide	An imaginary line indicating the limits of a subbasin, subwatershed, or watershed; the boundary line along a topographic ridge or high point which separates two adjacent drainage basins
sediment control plan	a plan developed by a qualified professional to control sediment, and implemented prior to site preparation and construction.
pumicite	A natural, glassy aluminum silicate mineral from volcanic ash which is used as a water treatment filtration media.
sag pond	(1) A small body of water occupying an enclosed depression or sag formed where active or recent fault movement has impounded drainage
aquifer--unconfined	a zone of water saturation where atmospheric pressure is freely communicated to the zone
holding pond	A pond or basin, usually built in a depression in the ground, built to store excess stormwater runoff for a limited time
ravine	a narrow, steep sided valley that is commonly eroded by running water and with slope grades greater than 3:1.
accuracy	prevailing wind: Wind that blows in a dominant direction.
conductance	A measure of the ability of a solution to carry electricity; the reciprocal of the electrical resistance
incidence	(Statistics) The rate of occurrence of a specific event within a given number of observations over a standard time period.
atrazine	A herbicide listed by the U.S
negative head	A condition of negative pressure or partial vacuum.
organic soil	soil that contains more than 20 percent organic matter in the upper 16 inches.
pollution indicator organism	(Water Quality) A plant or animal species that is not normally present in an aquatic environment unless the body of water has been subjected to damage by pollution
kilogram	one thousand grams.
drilling mud	A mixture of clay, water, and other materials, often bentonite clay and barite, commonly used in drilling with a rotary drill rig
application rate	For irrigation, the rate at which water is applied per unit of land area, usually expressed in terms of inches per hour.
bed depth	The height of the resin or filter media in the column after it has been properly conditioned for effective operation, usually expressed in inches
wedge storage	The volume of water contained between two different water surface profiles within a canal pool.
transpiration	evolution: Genetically based changes in populations of organisms, occurring over successive generations.
middens	A large refuse heap containing such materials discarded materials, food remains, bones, and so on.
acid	a substance with a quantity of positively charged hydrogen ions.
osmotic shock	A sudden change of the osmotic pressure gradient generated by the balance of the concentration of dissolved molecules inside and outside the cell.
aerobic plate count	this test is used to determine the total number of anaerobic bacteria (requiring no oxygen) present at mesophyllic temperatures (30° C-37° C)
intermittent stream	A stream that flows only when it receives water from rainfall runoff or springs, or from some surface source such as melting snow.
wetland function	a process or series of processes that take place within a wetland that are beneficial to the wetland itself, the surrounding ecosystems, and people.
annual vegetation	vegetation that completes its growth cycle in one year (e.g., grasses).
lateral	Building or house service connection to sewer or sewer-to-sewer connection.
alpine	That portion of mountains above tree growth; or organisms living there
synecology	The study of different natural communities or Ecosystems.
ntu	A unit of measure for the turbidity water based on the amount of light that is reflected off the water
transpiration	process by which water that is absorbed by plants (usually by the roots) is evaporated into the atmosphere from the plant surfaces, such as leaf pores. (See evapotranspiration and water cycle/hydrologic cycle.)
lining	A protective covering over all or part of the perimeter of a reservoir or a conduit to prevent seepage losses, withstand pressure, resist erosion, reduce friction, or otherwise improve conditions of flow.
cove	A small sheltered inlet, creek, or bay; a recess in the shore.
breach	(1) A gap or rift, especially in or as if in a solid structure such as a dike or dam
convection	the movement of air or water upward as a result of heating, which causes a decrease in the density in the air or water and makes it rise
wetland loss	The loss of wetland area due to the conversion of wetland to non-wetland areas, as a result of human activity.
streamflow	The discharge that occurs in a natural channel
sharp-crested weir	A device for measuring water, featuring a notch cut in a relatively thin plate and having a sharp edge on the upstream side of the crest.
gill	(1) A unit of volume or capacity in the U.S
bioassay	an assay method using a change in biological activity as a qualitative or quantitative means of analyzing a material response to industrial waste and other wastewater by using viable organisms or live fish as test organisms.
flow augmentation	Increased flow from release of water from storage dams.
cecop	A public opinion polling institute
flood-related erosion prone area	A land area adjoining the shore of a lake or other body of water, which due to the composition of the shoreline or bank and high water levels or wind-driven currents, is likely to suffer flood-related erosion damage.
wastewater treatment plant	a place where water is made safe to use; wastewater is filtered several times, and the germs left in the water is killed.
wastewater	Used water discharged from homes, businesses, industry or agriculture.
waste exchange	Arrangement in which companies exchange their wastes for the benefit of both parties.
surface runoff	water flowing along the ground into rivers, lakes, and oceans surface water - all water, fresh and salty, on the Earth's surface suspended - the state of floating in water rather than being dissolved in it suspension - a method of sediment transport in which air or water turbulence supports the weight of the sediment particles, thereby keeping them from settling out or being deposited
ppm	The abbreviation for part per million.
waste gas burner	A device that safely combusts biogas.
equipotential line	A line in a field of flow such that the total head is the same for all points on the line; therefore, the direction of flow is perpendicular to the line at all points.
groundwater	Water found beneath the earth's surface that fills pores between soil particles such as sand, clay, and gravel or that fills cracks in bedrock
bathyal zone	The ocean stratum beneath the Euphotic Zone and above the Abyssal Zone, or to the bottom of the Continental Shelf
public water use	from a public water supply, used for firefighting, municipal parks and pools, and landscaping and other public city uses.
river miles	Miles from the mouth of a river to a specific destination or, for upstream tributaries, from the confluence with the main river to a specific destination.
riffles	A river feature where below average depth and above average velocity create small cresting waves.
ocean	such as a bay, mouth of a river, salt marsh or lagoon, deepwater tidal habitat and tidal wetland, they are usually partially enclosed by land but have free access to the ocean and are at least occasionally diluted by fresh water runoff from the land.
circulation	The flow or motion of a fluid in or through a given area or volume
asset life	The time from the date of installation (when new) of an asset (or part) until the asset (or part) has to be replaced
refractory materials	a material of very high melting point with properties that make it suitable for such uses as furnace linings and kiln construction.
comprehensive plan	(Natural Resource) A plan for water and related land resources development, that does consider all economic and social factors and provides the greatest overall benefits to the region as a whole.
transfer	The movement of MSW between different stages in the handling, collection and transportation process.
basin and range [nevada]	A region of north-trending mountains ranges and valleys encompassing western Utah and essentially all of Nevada
stream	the volume of water that passes a given point within a given period of time, an all-inclusive outflow term, describing a variety of flows such as from a pipe to a stream or from a stream to a lake or ocean, usually expressed in cubic feet per second.
flood frequency curve	(1) A graph showing the average interval of time within which a flood of a given magnitude will be equaled or exceeded once
water solubility	The maximum possible concentration of a chemical compound dissolved in water
evaluation	Systematic assessment and/or comparison of available options/alternatives.
child mortality	Also known as under-5 mortality it refers to the probability that a child will die before the age of 5.
backpressure	a pressure that can cause water to backflow into the water supply when a user's wastewater system is at a higher pressure than the public system.
montane	of, pertaining to, or inhabiting cool upland slopes below the timber line; characterized by the dominance of evergreen trees.
scattered	The amount of sky cover for a cloud layer between 3/8ths and 4/8ths, based on the summation layer amount for that layer.
heat balance	The equilibrium which exists on the average between the radiation received by the earth and atmosphere from the sun and that emitted by the earth and atmosphere
cape	A cape is a pointed piece of land that sticks out into a sea, ocean, lake, or river.
pervious	Material that has openings through which liquid will pass in filtering. Also referred to as porous or permeable.
contouring	A system of planting row crops perpendicular to the natural slope to reduce soil erosion, protect soil fertility and use water more efficiently.
hydrobiology	The biological study of bodies of water, especially studies by Limnology Hydrobiologist.
total solids	The amount of solids remaining after all volatile matter has been removed from a biomass sample by heating at 105°C to constant weight.
certificate of water right	an official document which serves as court evidence of a perfected water right.
safe yield	The annual amount of water that can be taken from a source of supply over a period of years without depleting that source beyond its ability to be naturally refilled.
anthropogenic	Of or relating to the study of the origins and development of human beings.
instream use	Use of water that does not require diversion from its natural watercourse
entrainment	(Streams) The incidental trapping of fish and other aquatic organisms in the water, for example, used for cooling electrical power plants or in waters being diverted for irrigation or similar purposes.
manganese	An element sometimes found in ground water, usually with dissolved iron but in lower concentrations
tail water	(1) In Hydraulics, water, in a river or channel, immediately downstream from a structure
iso	International Standards Organization
condensation	sublimation, vapourization, transpiration, evapotranspiration, volatilization).
delta	an alluvial deposit made of rock particles (sediment, and debris) dropped by a stream as it enters a body of water.
abiotic	Non-living thing
deepening	Used in describing the history of a low pressure system or an area of cyclonic circulation, it means a decrease in the central pressure of the system
receiving waters	A river, lake, ocean, stream, or other body of water into which wastewater or treated effluent is discharged.
impermeable	material that does not permit fluids to pass through.
recyclables	MSW fractions that still have useful physical and/or chemical properties after serving their original purpose and that can therefore, be reused or re-manufactured into additional products.
diversity index	A numerical expression of the evenness of distribution of aquatic organisms
perennial stream	one that flows all year round
quaternary ammonium	A basic chemical group [N(CH3)3+] which provides the site of activity of certain anion exchange resins.
oxalic acid	Oxalic Acid is a toxic organic acid that are found in plants
hydrocarbons	chemical compounds that consist entirely of carbon and hydrogen; also referred to as volatile organic compound.
medium	A material used in a filter bed to form a barrier to the passage of certain suspended solids or dissolved molecules.
human ecology	(1) A branch of sociology dealing particularly with the spatial and temporal interrelationships between humans and their economic, social, and political organization; (2) The ecology of human communities and populations, especially as concerned with preservation of environmental quality (as of air or water) through proper application of conservation and civil engineering practices.
unsupervised classification	Categorisation of digital image data by computer processing based solely on the image statistics without availability of training samples or prior knowledge of the area
cercla	Comprehensive Environment Response, Compensation and Liability Act
anion	A negatively charged ion in solution, such as bicarbonate, chloride, or sulfate.
multiple use	managing an area to achieve multiple goals or multiple outputs; (e.g
mountain	A mountain is a very tall high, natural place on Earth - higher than a hill
substrate	The surface with which an organism is associated; often refers to lake or stream beds.
glob	A small drop; a globule.
disembogue	To discharge or pour fourth; to flow out or empty, as water from a channel.
forest land	Land which is at least 10 percent occupied by forest trees of any size or formerly having had such tree cover and not currently developed for non-forest use
toe	The break in slope at the foot of a stream bank where the bank meets the bed.
equivalent per million	A unit of concentration used in chemical calculations, calculated by dividing the concentration in ppm or mg/1 by the equivalent weight.
filamentous algae	Aggregations of one-celled plants that grow in long strings or mats in water and are either attached or free floating and tend to plug canals, weirs, and other structures, but also provide habitat of invertebrate animals.
retrofitting	installing modern pollution control devices at facilities without making major changes to the facility's design.
grain flow	fiber-like lines appearing on polished an etched sections of forgings, where are caused by orientations of the constituents of the metal in the direction of working during forging
sulcus	a shallow depression or furrow on the outside surface of the shell
oligotrophic	Lakes that are abundant in oxygen and contain few plant nutrients
biota	All living organisms of a region, as in a stream or other body of water.
ground water discharge	(1) The flow of water from the Zone of Saturation
bankfull channel width	The top surface width of a stream channel when flowing at a bank full discharge.
perennial stream	A stream that flows from source to mouth throughout the year
post-consumer waste	- Paper that has passed through the end usage as a consumer product.
amplitude	Amplitude – the maximum absolute value attained by the disturbance of a wave or by any quantity that varies periodically.
ripple	(1) A specific undulated bed form found in sand bed streams
municipal discharge	Discharge of effluent from wastewater treatment plants, which receive wastewater from households, commercial establishments, and industries in the coastal drainage basin.
wildlife danger tree assessor	a qualified professional arborist who determines the presence and nature of hazard posed by trees.
discharge permit	Legal contract negotiated between federal and state regulators and an industry or sewage treatment plant that sets limits on many water pollutants or polluting effects from the discharges of its pipes to public waters.
resistance	the opposition which a device or material offers to the flow of current; measured in ohms.
depletion curve	(Hydraulics) A graphical representation of water depletion from storage-stream channels, surface soil, and groundwater
groundwater	the water found beneath the Earth's surface that supplies wells and springs Grab Sample
haboob	Sudanese name for duststorm or sandstorm with strong winds that carry small particles of dirt or sand into the air, particularly severe in areas of drought.
snow survey	The process or operation of determining the depth, water content, and density of snow at various selected points on a drainage basin
sustainable management	method of exploiting a resource that can be carried on indefinitely
border irrigation	A surface method of irrigation by flooding between two confining border levees or dikes
compliance	Fulfillment of applicable requirements of a plan or schedule ordered or approved by government authority.
d & d	Decontamination and Decommissioning
load	material that is moved or carried by streams, reported as weight of material transported during a specified time period, such as tons per year.
cosewic	Committee On the Status of Endangered Wildlife In Canada
seal	a continuous joint of two or more surfaces of sheet material such as made by fusion or adhesion.
lacustrine	pertaining to, produced by, or formed in a lake.
flush valve	A self-closing valve designed to release a large volume of water when tripped, to flush a toilet or water closet.
meteorological drought	Occurs when precipitation is below normal or average for a prolonged period of time.
sheet erosion	The removal of thin, fairly uniform layer of soil or materials from the land surface by the action of rainfall and runoff water.
pollutant	Anything added to a substance that makes the substance impure
hydrotropism	Growth or movement in a sessile (fixed, root-bound) organism toward or away from water, as of the roots of a plant.
evergreen stand	A plant community where Evergreen trees or shrubs represent more than 50 percent of the total areal coverage of trees and shrubs
phenolic resins	Synthetic thermosetting resins obtained by the condensation of phenol or substituted phenols with aldehydes. Used as a binder in cellulose and glass fibers to form filter media.
recycled fiber	- Fiber obtained from recovered paper; also secondary fiber (cf
river bed	The area of ground over which a river flows.
hadd	harmful alteration, disruption or destruction of fish habitat
sand	tiny, loose grains of crushed mineral particles formed by the weathering of rocks.
superimposed stream	A stream whose present course was established on young rocks burying an old surface
commercial water use	Water for motels, hotels, restaurants, office buildings, and other commercial facilities and institutions, both civilian and military
streambank stabilization	Natural geological tendency for a stream to mold its banks to conform with the channel of least resistance to flow
microrganisms	Organisms that are so small that they can only be observed through a microscope, for instance bacteria, fungi or yeasts.
semiconfined	An aquifer that has a "leaky" confining unit and displays characteristics of both confined and unconfined aquifers, typically evidencing low permeability through which recharge and discharge can still occur
protozoa	A large group of single-celled eukaryotic and often microscopic organisms.
waterfront	(1) Land abutting a body of water
molecular weight	the sum of the atomic weights of all the atoms in a molecule.
sediment interception	a sediment management activity by which most of the soil introduced into suspension is contained within the isolated area of a work site, where it can settle or otherwise be removed
stakeholder	Person or group with an investment or interest in something such as a business or industry.
residual chlorine	Chlorine remaining in a treated water after a specified period of contact time to provide continuing protection throughout a distribution system; the difference between the total chlorine added, and that consumed by oxidizable matter
nutrients	primarily nitrate and phosphate, content of natural waters, usually resulting in an increase in biomass and productivity of algae which may result in the depletion of the oxygen concentration in the water leading to a fish kill, from natural erosion and runoff from the land or from anthropogenic sources.
navier-stokes equations	a set of equations that describe the physics governing the motion of a fluid
lotic waters	Describing the waters of rivers and streams (flowing waters) as compared to Lentic Waters of ponds or marshes (standing waters).
aerobic	An action or process conducted in the presence of air, such as aerobic digestion of organic matter by bacteria.
swale	a natural depression or wide shallow, channel used to convey and treat stormwater.
sediment	Matter which settles to the bottom of a tank, pond, river or ocean.
atom	Smallest particle of an element capable of entering into a chemical reaction
benthic	Of or pertaining to animals and plants living on or within the substrate of a water body.
decommissioning	the process of permanently closing a facility/site; includes rehabilitation and plans for future maintenance of affected land and water Dewater
streambank stabilization	The lining of streambanks with riprap, matting, etc., or other measures intended to control erosion.
sewage	The waste and wastewater produced by residential and commercial sources and discharged into sewers.
toe drain and outfall	A drainage conduit from a dam's structure used to carry seepage water away from the dam and can allow seepage quantities to be measured.
mwh	Megawatt hour
precipitation	(1) Liquid or solid products of the condensation of water vapour falling from clouds or deposited from air on the ground.(2) Amount of precipitation (as defined under (1) ) on a unit of horizontal surface per unit time.
sleet	precipitation which is a mixture of rain and ice.
elution	The stripping of adsorbed ions from an ion exchange material by the use of solutions containing other ions in concentrations higher than those of the ions to be stripped
intermittent stream	A stream that has interrupted flow or does not flow continuously.
bearing capacity	The maximum load per unit area which the surface of a landfill can support without damage.
subbasins	One of several basins that form a watershed.
hygrophyte	Plants extremely sensitive to dry air, growing only in habitats where relative humidity is always high
halite	A geological term for rock salt, a mineral which is more than 95 percent sodium chloride
nitrogen	Gas present in biogas in low concentration and which may require special treatment before injection of biomethane into the natural gas grid
creams	Chemicals, Runoff and Erosion from Agricultural Management Systems.
biomethane	Biomethane is biogas that has been purified to contain mainly methane to be injected into the natural gas grid or used as fuel
saponification	The process in which a fatty acid is neutralized with an alkali or base to form a soap.
low latitudes	The latitude belt between 30 and 0 degrees North and South of the equator
chute spillway	The overfall structure which allows water to drop rapidly through an open channel without causing erosion
mprb	Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board
continuous sample	A flow of water from a particular place in a plant to the location where samples are collected for testing
lake	A lake is a large body of water surrounded by land on all sides
overfall dam	A dam constructed to allow water to overflow the dam's crest.
nitrogen	(1) (General) Chemical symbol N, the gaseous, essential element for plant growth, comprising 78 percent of the atmosphere, which is quite inert and unavailable to most plants in its natural form
concentration time	The period of time required for storm runoff to flow from the most remote point of a catchment or drainage area to the outlet or point under consideration
groundwood	A mechanical pulping process which involves the shredding of logs against an abrasive stone (hence stone groundwood).
brittleness	the quality of a material that leads to crack reproductions without appreciable plastic deformation, which is the deformation that does or will remain permanent after removal of the load that caused it.
airshed	Topography (hills and valleys) and weather conditions can interact to prevent the mixing and exchange of air from inside and outside a given area
beach downdrift	area of beach towards which material is being moved by longshore transport.
advection	(1) The process by which solutes are transported by the bulk of flowing fluid such as the flowing ground water
agricultural land	any land on which crops or pastures are cultivated or domestic stock are grazed
ion exchange	A reversible process in which ions are released from an insoluble permanent material in exchange for other ions in a surrounding solution; the direction of the exchange depends upon the affinities of the ion exchanger for the ions present and the concentration of the ions in the solution
neutral	In electrical systems, the term used to indicate neither an excess nor a lack of electrons; a condition of balance between positive and negative charges
conditioning chamber	Cyclone
fungi	A eukaryotic, multicellular organism that functions as a primary decomposer of dead plants and animals.
duststorm	A severe weather condition characterized by strong winds and dust-filled air over a large area
rill erosion	Removal of soil particles from a bank slope by surface runoff moving through relatively small channels
vascular plant	a plant composed of or provided with vessels or ducts that convey water or sap
thunder snow	A wintertime thunderstorm from which falls snow instead of rain
condensate and sediment trap	Device used to remove liquid and solids entrapped in the biogas.
capillary rise	The height above a free water surface to which water will rise by Capillary Action.
waterborne disease outbreak	The significant occurrence of acute infection illness associated with drinking water from a Public Water System (PWS) that is deficient in treatment, as determined by appropriate local or state agencies, or from untreated water sources.
infiltration	That portion of rainfall or surface runoff that moves downward into the subsurface rock and soil.
bed material load	That portion of the total sediment load with sediments of a size found in the streambed.
tin streaming	The mining of cassiterite placer deposits with the separation of the denser cassiterite from the less dense gangue minerals.
risk communication	The process of exchanging information about levels or significance of health or environmental risk.
consequent stream	A stream following a course that is a direct consequence of the original slope of the surface on which it developed.
lateral sewers	Pipes that run under city streets and receive the sewage from homes and businesses, as opposed to domestic feeders and main trunk lines.
family planning	A health service that helps couples decide whether to have children, and if so, when and how many.
limnetic	the deepwater zone (greater than 2 meters deep); a subsystem of the Lacustrine System of the U.S
hardwood bottomland	hardwood forested lowlands adjacent to some rivers, especially valuable for wildlife breeding, nesting, and habitat.
bankfull discharge	The bankfull stage corresponds to the discharge at which channel maintenance is most effective
ion	An atom, or group of atoms which function as a unit, and has a positive or negative electrical charge due to the gain or loss of one or more electrons.
altocumulus cloud	A fleecy cloud, usually a rounded mass, but which can change radically and unexpectedly, producing intermediate forms, at an average height of 2.5 miles (4 kilometers)
subtidal	continuously submerged; an area affected by ocean tides.
clear air turbulence	Name given to turbulence that may occur in perfectly clear air without any visual in warning in the form of clouds
lifted index	A measure of atmospheric instability that is obtained by computing the temperature that the air near the ground would have if it were lifted to a higher level and comparing it to the actual temperature at that altitude
pressure drop	The difference in pressure between two points, generally at the inlet and the outlet of a filter or a separator/filter. Measured in pounds per square inch gauge, or in inches of mercury.
gmo	Organisms whose genetic material has been altered using genetic engineering techniques.
protozoa	Any of a large group of mostly microscopic, one celled animals living chiefly in water
static water level	(1) The elevation or level of the water table in a well when the pump is not operating
drought	a prolonged period of less-than-normal precipitation such that the lack of water causes a serious hydrologic imbalance.
wetland	land that is saturated with water or submerged, at least during most of the growing season; wetlands generally include swamps, marshes and bogs
failure analysis	determining why a part in service (a) has become completely inoperable, (b) is still operable but is incapable of satisfactorily performing its intended function; (c) has deteriorated seriously, to the point that it has become unreliable or unsafe for continued us.
biodegradable	Subject to degradation into similar substances by biological action
variable	A water quality constituent (for example, total phosphorus pollutant concentration) or other measured factors (such as streamflow, rainfall).
plumber	One who installs, repairs, and maintains piping, fittings, and fixtures involved in the distribution and use of water in a building.
outcrop	exposed at the surface
thermal inversion	an atmospheric meteorological condition in which a layer of warm air acts like a lid to trap a layer of cold air beneath it
total suspended solids	A fixed volume of sample is filtered through a pre-weighed and washed glass fiber filter
surface runoff	runoff which travels over the land surface to the nearest stream channel.
in situ	In its original place; field measurements taken without removing the sample from its origin; remediation performed while groundwater remains below the surface.
euryhaline	Capable of tolerating a wide range of salt water concentrations
eutrophication	process by which waters become enriched with nutrients, primarily nitrogen and phosphorus, which stimulate the growth of aquatic flora and/or fauna
nekton	Macroscopic organisms swimming actively in water, such as fish
culvert	A buried pipe that allows flows to pass under a road.
tank	A stationary device designed to contain an accumulation of hazardous waste that is constructed primarily of non-earthen materials (e.g
straight-line winds	Any surface wind that is not associated with rotation
flow meter	a gauge indicating the velocity and/or volume of a flowing liquid.
stockpond	a pond used primarily for watering livestock.
anion	A negatively charged ion that results from the dissociation of salts, acids or alkalis in solution.
membrane	A thin barrier that allows some compounds or liquids to pass through, and troubles others
drilling fluids	fluid used to lubricate the bit and convey drill cuttings to the surface with rotary drilling equipment
stormwater	Rainwater run-off from impervious surfaces (roofs, roads, driveways, paths, parking lots and ground surfaces).
induced draft	Combustion gas moved by a fan pulling with a vacuum
pool	A reach of a stream that is characterized by deep, low-velocity water and a smooth surface.
demand	the number of units of something that will be purchased at various prices at a point in time
landspout	A small, weak tornado, which is not formed by a storm-scale rotation
map scale	The relationship between the actual size of a place and its size as shown on a map.
tissue paper	- Collective term for papers of a grammage of less than 30 gsm that differ in application and composition but have the common feature of being thin
xerophyte	a plant adapted for growth under dry conditions.
supplier of water	Any person who owns or operates a Public Water Supply System (PWSS).
limestone	a sedimentary rock consisting chiefly of calcium carbonate, primarily in the form of the mineral calcite.
aesthetics	Aesthetics are given consideration in the complete evaluation of lakes as a natural resource
bacteriastatic	Having the ability to inhibit the growth of bacteria without destroying them
fats	triglyceride-esters of fatty acids
iso 14031	This standard evaluates an organization's compliant use of management indicators, comparing the past and present environmental performance of the company's business on the basis of the "plan, do, check, act" process.
phosphates	Certain chemical compounds containing phosphorus.
ohsas 18001	Specification OHSAS 18001 augments and is compatible with ISO 14001
ionization	The process in which atoms gain or lose electrons and thus become ions with positive or negative charges; sometimes used as a synonym for dissociation, the separation of molecules into charged ion in solution.
sediment storage	The accumulation, in a reservoir, of sediment that would normally be carried downstream without the project.
combined deinking	- Deinking process combining flotation and washing; cf
stable canal system	A canal system in which flow disturbances are attenuated.
prequench chamber	Process Control
rain	water drops which fall to the earth from the air.
inversion	An atmospheric condition where a lower layer of cool air is trapped below an upper layer of warm air
contact recreation	activities involving a significant risk of ingestion of water, such as wading by children, swimming, water skiing, diving and surfing
soft water	any water that does not contain a significant amount of dissolved minerals such as salts of calcium or magnesium.
agitated pit	A reservoir, pit, or pond that ordinarily is not stirred or aerated, but which is mixed just before emptying to suspend any settled solids.
subsistence flows	the component of an instream flow regime that represents infrequent, naturally occurring low flow events that occur for a seasonal period of time
anabaena	Any of various freshwater algae of the genus anabaena that sometimes occur in drinking water and cause a bad taste and odor.
perennial stream	A stream that flows continuously throughout the year.
hygrograph	An instrument that records the hygrometer's measure of water vapor.
water quality	the condition of water as it relates to impurities water reclamation - treating wastewater so that it can be used again water table - (1) the boundary in the ground between where the ground is saturated with water (zone of saturation) and where the ground is filled with water and air (zone of aeration); (2) the upper surface of the saturated zone that determines the water level in a well in an unconfined aquifer water vapor - the gaseous state of water watershed - a geographical portion of the Earth's surface from which water drains or runs off to a single place like a river; also called a drainage area well - a hole or shaft drilled into the earth to get water or other underground substances
overstory	(Botany) The uppermost, or tree, part of a forest, formed by tree crowns; canopy.
prairie	A prairie is a wide, relatively flat area of land that has grasses and only a few trees.
siltation	the settling of silt, the fine-particulate fraction of sediment.
aquifer	Any formation of rock that contains water
river miles	Generally, miles from the mouth of a river to a specific destination or, for upstream tributaries, from the confluence with the main river to a specific destination.
headwater	Referring to the source of a stream or river
turbidity	A measure of the concentration of sediment or suspended particles in solution
heat transfer analysis	the movement of heat from one body to another (gas, liquid, solid, or combinations thereof) by means of radiation, convection or conduction.
rare species	A species of plant or animal which, although not presently threatened with extinction, is in such small numbers throughout its range that it may be endangered if its environment worsens.
corrosion	The destructive disintegration of a metal by electrochemical means.
run off	Rainfall or other water that is not absorbed into the soil and drains off the street or land
demand-controlled circulation	the automatic circulation of water, triggered by a switch or motion sensor, through a looped system to ensure that hot water is immediately available while keeping unused cold water in the system, saving both water and energy.
herbicide	A pesticide designed to control or kill plants, weeds, or grasses
density	the quantity of structures on a site, measured for residential buildings as dwelling units per acre of buildable land available for residential uses, and for nonresidential build ings as floor area ratio per net acre of buildable land available for nonresidential uses.
erosion	a process in which materials of the earth's surface are loosened, dissolved or worn away and transported by natural agents, such as water, wind or gravity.
buoyancy	the abililty of water to support weight and the degree to which it can support weight.
particulate organic matter	Material of plant or animal origin that is suspended in water
tile drainage	Land drainage by means of a series of tile lines laid at a specific depth and grade.
deinking	- Removal of printing ink and impurities from recovered paper; to produce recycled fiber pulp with maximum whiteness and purity
pressure drop	Difference between inlet pressure and outlet pressure of a device
monitored natural attenuation	Natural attentuation that is expected to achieve site cleanup objectives within a time frame that is reasonable compared to more active cleanup methods
pour point	The lowest temperature at which a liquid will pour or flow when chilled without disturbance under specified conditions.
organic	(1) In chemistry, any compound containing carbon
ducking stool	A seat attached to a plank and formerly used to plunge culprits tied to it into water.
uf6	Uranium Hexafluoride
contact recreation	Recreational activities involving a significant risk of ingestion of water, including wading by children, swimming, water skiing, diving and surfing.
limestone scrubbing	The use of a Limestone and water solution to remove gaseous stack-pipe sulfur before it reaches the atmosphere.
badlands	Barren land characterized by roughly eroded ridges, peaks, and mesas.
intrabasin transfer	The diversion of water within a drainage basin.
firth	A narrow inlet or arm of the sea; an Estuary.
freshwater marsh	Open wetlands that occur along rivers and lakes.
dual-distribution piping	A water distribution system that uses one set of pipes for the distribution of potable water and a separate set for the distribution of Reclaimed Water.
hydraulic head	(1) The height of the free surface of a body of water above a given point beneath the surface
sampling volume	range of the amount of sample required to perform the measurement.
swamp	A type of wetland that is dominated by woody vegetation and does not accumulate appreciable peat deposits
cation exchange	Ion exchange process in which cations in solution are exchanged for other cations from an ion exchanger
broken	The amount of sky cover for a cloud layer between 5/8ths and 7/8ths, based on the summation layer amount for that layer.
load	the force in weight units applied to a body; the term load means mass or force depending on it use
snowfill	temporary stream crossings constructed by filling a stream channel that is dry or frozen to the bottom with clean compacted snow.
desiccation cracks	Surface fractures that can result from the drying of soil or porous sedimentary rock.
tropical air mass	An air mass that forms in the tropics or subtropics over the low latitudes
receiving waters	(1) Rivers, lakes, oceans, or other water courses or bodies of water that receive waters from another source
nomadic	A way of life in which there is no permanent residence site and the group moves from place to place according to the season, the available of food supply and other such factors; the route of travel often follows a traditional pattern.
basic	Describing a solution, sediment, or other material that has a pH greater than 7.0
flotation deinking	- Deinking process in which air is blown into a dilute fiber suspension
spring	water flowing naturally from the Earth; volume of water can vary from a seep or trickle to a huge flow, i.e
critical reach	The point in the receiving stream below a discharge point at which the lowest dissolved oxygen level is reached and recovery begins
label	The printed information on the packaging of a pesticide formulation that displays the brand name, provides information about the active ingredient, gives instructions for using the product, and lists additional information as required by the registration authority.
waste collector	A person employed by a local authority or a private firm to collect MSW from residences, businesses, and community bins.
equator	The equator is an imaginary circle around the earth, halfway between the north and south poles.
total head	Energy contained by fluid because of its pressure, velocity, and elevation, usually expressed in feet of fluid (foot-pounds per pound).
phyto-remediation	The use of plants to cleanse polluted and contaminated soils
back siphonage	A reverse flow condition created by a difference in water pressures that causes water to flow back into the distribution pipes of a drinking water supply from any source other than the intended one
ergs	1 joule is about 0.7375 foot-pounds.
wet meadow	Grassland with waterlogged soil near the surface but without standing water for most of the year.
aerobic	A process that takes place in the presence of oxygen, such as the digestion of organic matter by bacteria in an oxidation pond.
equity	The equity dimension of governance seeks to ensure that development is inclusive, that all people benefit from well-functioning political and economic institutions and political, economic and social processes .
carbon foot-print	Indicator and method of evaluation that recognize the impact of a product or activity on the environment through the amount of carbon dioxide emitted during the production cycles and life
element	a substance that cannot be resolved into two or more other substances; a substance made up of atoms with the same atomic number.
snow depth	The vertical distance between the surface of a snow layer and the ground beneath.
weathering	Physical and chemical changes in soils or rock due to atmospheric processes and conditions
backbar channel	A channel formed behind a bar connected to the main channel but usually at a higher bed elevation than the main channel
tenaja	Pools in seasonal streams that may support a flora similar to Vernal Pools upon desiccation.
median streamflow	the rate of discharge of a stream for which there are equal numbers of greater and lesser flow occurrences during a specified period.
aggresive water	Water that is soft and acidic and can corrode plumbing, pipes and appliances.
confined water	Water under artesian pressure
hiv	Human Immuno-deficiency Virus (HIV) is the retrovirus that attacks the human immune system resulting in AIDS
standard	a solution containing a known, precise concentration of an element or chemical compound, often used to calibrate analytical chemistry measurement devices.
xenobiotic	Any biological substance, displaced from its normal habitat; a chemical foreign to a biological system.
hook gage	A pointed, U-shaped hook attached to a staff or vernier scale, used in the accurate measurement of the elevation of a water surface
current velocity	the velocity of water flow in a stream, measured in units of length per unit of time, such as feet per second (fps).
deposit	something dropped or left behind by moving water, as sand or mud.
nitrogen-fixing plants	Plants that can assimilate and fix the free nitrogen of the atmosphere with the aid of bacteria living in the root nodules
slimes	(Water Quality) Substances of viscous organic nature, which are usually formed from micro-biological growth and which attach themselves to other objects forming a coating.
self-supplied water	Water withdrawn from a surface or ground-water source by a user rather than being obtained from a Public Water Supply System (PWSS)
wing wall	The side walls of a structure used to prevent sloughing of banks or channels and to direct and confine overfall.
channel lining	Protection of the channel bottom and banks with concrete or Riprap.
rainstick	A common term for a type of tubular rattle that mimics the sound of rainfall; a primitive musical instrument in which sound is produced by the movement of particles (sand, stones, etc.) through a hollow tube with an internal matrix that is closed on each end.
bicarbonate	(Water Quality) A compound containing the HCO3- group, for example, sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO3), which ionizes in solution (water) to produce HCO3-
semiochemicals	"message chemicals" that are used by insects as signals; some are produced by plants and attract or repel insects, others are produced by insects to communicate alarm or attract mates.
extirpation	(Biology) To destroy or remove completely, as a species from an particular area, region, or habitat
digestion	the biochemical decomposition of organic matter which results in the formation of mineral compounds and simple organic compounds.
scour	The erosive action of running water in streams, which excavates and carries away material from the bed and banks
solvent recovery	A method to minimize hazardous waste by recovering process solvents for reuse
borehole	A hole bored or drilled in the earth, as an exploratory well; a small-diameter well drilled especially to obtain water.
community water system	A public water system with 15 or more connections and serving 25 or more year-round residents and thus is subject to the U.S
southern oscillation	A periodic reversal of the pressure pattern across the tropical Pacific Ocean during El NiÑo events
aluminum	Aluminum can be found as a natural forming mineral or as a by product of water that is corrosive or aggressive
sea breeze	The sea-to-land surface wind that typically occurs in coastal areas during the day
climatic cycle	the periodic changes climate displays, such as a series of dry years following a series of years with heavy rainfall.
outfall	A location where safe, treated wastewater is discharged into a river, ocean or other body of water
outlet protection	a rock lines apron and flow area at the outlet of a pipe or culvert, paved flume, lined waterway or other flow system that prevents scour and erosion at water conveyance outlets.
rotor cloud	An altocumulus cloud formation that can be found in the lee of a mountain or similar barrier
biosphere	the earth and all its ecosystems.
quartzite	A hard metamorphic rock which was originally sandstone
equator	The geographic circle at 0 degrees latitude on the earth's surface
random sampling	collecting samples based on chance, rather than on making conscious choices for each sample; ensures that the samples collected are likely to show an accurate estimate of the situation.
time zone	An area using the same standard of time.
langelier index	An expression of the ability of water to dissolve or deposit calcium carbonate scale in pipes
corrosivity	Ability of water to dissolve or break down certain substances, particularly metals.
fjord	A fjord is a deep, narrow flooded inlet of the sea that was formed during the last Ice Age.
invert	The internal elevation at the bottom of the sewer.
slackwater channel	A navigation channel in a canal or river where the water surface elevation is controlled by a dam or dams with locks.
total suspended solids	The weight of particles that are suspended in water
boundary water	A river or lake that is part of the boundary between two or more countries or provinces that have rights to the water.
piping	The progressive development of erosion of a dam structure by seepage, appearing downstream of the dam as a hole or seam discharging water that contains soil particles
influent	The liquid wastewater entering a wastewater system component.
cyanobacteria	Photosynthetic bacteria; often referred to as blue-green algae.
atomic weight	the average weight of an atom of an element, usually expressed relative to one atom of the carbon isotope taken to have a standard weight of 12.
fixture count	A count of the total number of plumbing fixtures in a building to estimate peak flow rates and the sizing of equipment, especially for commercial buildings.
standing crop	The quantity of plant Biomass in a given area
uranium	A radioactive metallic element found naturally in combination with other materials
flow	the rate of water discharged from a source expressed in volume with respect to time.
attrition	The process in which solids are worn down or ground down by friction, often between particles of the same material
concentration	the amount of a substance in a given volume of air, water or other medium
mechanical aeration	Use of mechanical energy to inject air into water to cause a waste stream to absorb oxygen.
headward erosion	Erosion which occurs in the upstream end of the valley of a stream, causing it to lengthen its course in that direction.
oxidized rhizosphere	A zone around a plant root system in Hydric Soils that shows staining from oxidation ("rust" stains).
noncontact water recreation	recreational activities, such as fishing or boating, that do not include direct contact with the water.
fragmentation	The subdivision of a solid in fragments
well stimulation	Cleaning, enlarging, or increasing the pore space of a well used for the Injection of fluids into subsurface geological strata.
floodproofing	Any combination of structural and nonstructural additions, changes, or adjustments to structures that reduce or eliminate flood damage.
weed	a plant species growing where it is not wanted by humans, generally in relation to agricultural production or conservation of endemic biodiversity
shrubland	land covered predominantly with shrubs.
water application efficiency	The ratio of the volume of water stored in the root zone of a soil during irrigation to the volume of water applied.
dike	(1) (Engineering) An embankment to confine or control water, especially one built along the banks of a river to prevent overflow of lowlands; a levee
siliceous gel zeolite	A synthetic, inorganic exchanger produced by the aqueous reaction of alkali with aluminum salts.
cumulative effects	The combined environmental impacts that accrue over time and space from a series of similar or related individual actions, contaminants, or projects.
aquiculture	the raising or fattening of fish in enclosed ponds
environmental impact assessment	soil: A complex mixture of fragmented rock, organic matter, moisture, gases, and living organisms that covers almost all of Earth's terrestrial landscapes.
listeria spp.	a psychrotroph capable of growing at temperatures as low as 2.5° C and has high as 44° C
mae	The average amount of evaporation (measured in mm or cm) for a given area in a given year.
biochemical process	a process characterized by, produced by, or involving chemical reactions in living organisms.
snow making	The production of artificial snow in the form of granular ice particles for use on ski slopes.
flow control	A device designed to limit the flow of water or regenerant to a predetermined value over a broad range of inlet water pressures.
depth sounder	An ultrasonic instrument used to measure the depth of water under a ship.
cliff	A very steep slope of rock or soil.
colloidal suspension	Suspension in water of particles so finely divided that they will not settle under the action of gravity, but will diffuse, even in quiet water, under the random impulses of Brownian Movement
heterogeneity	Characteristic of a medium in which material properties vary from point to point
secondary succession	The orderly and predictable changes that occur over time in the plant and animal communities of an area that has been subjected to the removal of naturally occurring plant cover
deluge	(1) A great flood
rainforest	A category for describing forests with high levels of annual rainfall
recruitment	survival of young plants and animals from birth to a life stage less vulnerable to environmental change.
buffer zone	A protective, neutral area between distinct environments.
oxidation	A chemical reaction in which ions are transferring electrons, to increase positive valence.
development	economic growth: A term that refers to an economy that is increasing in size over time, usually due to increases in both population and per capita resource use
light-and-dark bottle technique	A method used to determine the extent of Photosynthesis in an aquatic Ecosystem
residence time	the period during which a substance remains in its active form in the environment
latitude	Latitude is the angular distance north or south from the equator to a particular location
levee system	A flood protection system which consists of a levee, or levees, and associated structures, such as closure and drainage devices, which are constructed and operated in accord with sound engineering practices.
british thermal unit	the amount of heat required to raise one pound of water one degree Fahrenheit.
permeable/ permeability	The rate at which liquids pass through soil or other materials in a specified direction
catfish	A fish found in freshwater rivers and has long feelers around its mouth
site preparation	A forestry activity designed to remove unwanted vegetation and other material, and to cultivate or prepare the soil for reforestation.
bioassay	A method for quantitatively determining the concentration of a substance by its effects on the growth of a suitable animal, plant, or microorganism under controlled conditions.
renewable	Refers to an energy that does not call for fossil fuels such as oil
awwa	Abbreviation for American Water Works Association
plastic	nonmetallic compounds that result from a chemical reaction and are molded or formed into rigid or pliable construction materials or fabrics.
overall project efficiency	A term reflecting all of the losses experienced by the irrigation project
accountability	Refers to the basic principle that the manager responsible for a service such as MSWM should have the authority to control all of the necessary functions of the organisation, and in return should take both
historical geomorphology	See Geomorphology, Historical.
riverine	Open-water habitats
corridor	A connection between adjacent land areas that allows the passage of fauna form one area to the other.
mariculture	cultivation of fish and shellfish in estuarine and coastal areas
gross erosion	The total of all sheet, gully, and channel erosion in a drainage basin, usually expressed in units of mass.
available concentration	total energy production: The use of commercial energy plus traditional fuels in an economy
washdown	water resulting from cleaning of equipment, walls, floors, etc., within a plant.
fan	A machine used to move gases, such as air
chloride	Chloride is a natural forming mineral found in water
phenolphthalein alkalinity	a measure of the hydroxides plus one-half of the normal carbonates in aqueous suspension
drought year supply	The average annual supply of a water development system during a defined Drought Period
fish habitat	The aquatic environment and the immediately surrounding terrestrial environment that meet the necessary biological and physical requirements of fish species during various life stages.
climatic cycle	The periodic changes of climate, including a series of dry years following a series of years with heavy rainfall.
cohesion	the force by which the molecules of a substance are held together
filter feeder	An aquatic animal, such as a clam, barnacle, or sponge, that feeds by filtering particulate organic material from water.
instantaneous discharge	The volume of water that passes a point at a particular instant of time.
infiltration	the passage of water through the soil surface and into the soil matrix
meander line	A line delineated by government survey for the purpose of defining the bends or windings of the banks of a stream or the shore of a body of water, and as a means for ascertaining the quantity of land embraced by the survey.
stagnation	A lack of motion in a mass of water that tends to hold pollutants in place.
low-pressure effluent distribution	Following treatment, a pump dose loads through a perforated small-diameter pipe inserted within a drain coil or ceramic drain pipe laid in a trench
meander amplitude	The distance between points of maximum curvature of successive meanders of opposite phase in a direction normal to the general course of the meander belt, measured between centerlines of channels.
hardness	resistance of metal to plastic deformation, usually by indentation
land breeze	A diurnal coastal breeze that blows offshore, from the land to the sea
truck scales or weighbridge	A platform used for weighing vehicles.
weld metal	the metal constituting the fused zone in spot, seam or projection welding.
neuston	(1) The collection of minute or microscopic organisms that inhabit the surface layer of a body of water
carbon dioxide	A minor constituent of the air, comprising about 0.4% of the atmosphere
izod test	a pendulum-type single-blow impact test in which the specimen, usually notched, is fixed at one end and broken by a falling pendulum
spiles	(Irrigation) Small pipes, generally straight, from 1-4 inches (2.5-10 centimeters) in diameter, used to distribute water from a ditch into furrows, borders, or corrugations.
mechanical paper	- This paper contains mechanical pulp, thermomechanical pulp (TMP) or chemithermo-mechanical pulp (CTMP) and also chemical pulp
operable unit	a term used by the Superfund program to describe a discrete action that comprises an incremental step toward comprehensively addressing site problems
acid free	having a pH of 7 or more; without acid.
fluoridation	The quantity of water or regenerant which passes a given point in a specified unit of time, often expressed in gallons per minute.
crest stage	The highest value of river Stage (or streamflow) attained in a flood.
habitat	The native environment where a plant or animal naturally grows or lives.
valley	An area of land that is lower than the land on either side of it
solubility	the amount of mass of a compound that will dissolve in a unit volume of solution.
inorganic	Material of mineral origin such as metal or glass
swell	Waves that have travelled out of the area in which they were generated.
broadacre farms	commercial farms producing relatively low value crops such as wool, sheep meat, beef, cereals, on large areas
weir box	(Irrigation) A wooden or concrete box oblong in shape and open at both ends, set lengthwise in a canal and in which a weir for measurement of irrigation water is set cross-wise.
sulfate	Sulfate is a natural forming mineral found in water
gpd	Gallons per day, a measure of the rate of flow or the rate of water withdrawal from a well
watershed	(1) All lands enclosed by a continuous hydrologic drainage divide and lying upslope from a specified point on a stream
aip	Agreement in Principle An agreement which clarifies the major terms of an agreement, laying out the groundwork to make a contract
wetland	An area of land that is saturated at least a part of the year by water
landfill gas	The biogas that is produced by landfills is also known as landfill gas.
field	(1) A broad, level, open expanse of land; a meadow
seawater	The salt water in, or coming from the sea or ocean.
acequia	irrigation channels constructed during the period of Spanish Colonial Mission settlement
degradation	Chemical or biological breakdown of a complex compound into simpler compounds.
acid deposition	Precipitation, in either wet or dry form, or acids and acid-forming compounds
population	The number of people living in a certain area.
sedimentary cycle	The biogeochemical cycle in which materials primarily are moved from land to sea and back again.
diversion structure	A structure specifically designed to divert wastewater from one sewer to another sewer, containment structure, or facility.
assimilative capacity	(1) The ability of air, a natural body of water, or soil to effectively degrade and/or disperse chemical substances
small moorings	an anchorage typically comprised of concrete anchor blocks, chains, rope and floats, anchored to the bottom of a water body in open water and away from the shoreline and used to secure a boat or to hold a channel marker in place as a navigational aid
brackish water	Water that is neither falls in the category of salt water, nor in the category of fresh water
invasive plant	A plant that moves in and takes over an Ecosystem to the detriment of other species; often the result of Environmental Manipulation.
forest hydrology	The study of hydrologic processes as influenced by forest and associated vegetation.
backwater effect	The rise in surface elevation of flowing water upstream from and as a result of an obstruction to flow
critical habitat	Under the Endangered Species Act, critical habitat is defined as(1) the specific areas within a geographic area occupied by a federally listed species on which are found physical and biological features essential to the conservation of the species, and that may require special management considerations or protections; and (2) specific areas outside the geographic area occupied by a listed species, when it is determined that such areas are essential for the conservation of the species.
remedial action	The actual construction or clean-up phase of a Superfund site cleanup
tar balls	Non-volatile hydrocarbon clumps remaining in water after the volatile fractions have evaporated from crude oil that has been discharged or spilled into the marine environment
flood of record	The highest observed river stage or discharge at a given site during the period of record keeping
mineral soil	Soil composed of predominantly mineral rather than organic materials.
nitrogen supersaturation	A condition of water in which the concentration of dissolved nitrogen exceeds the saturation level of water
biogeoclimatic zone	a geographical area (large ecosystem) with a relatively uniform macroclimate, characterized by a mosaic of vegetation, soils and, to a lesser extent, animal life reflecting that climate.
bound water	Water molecules that are held tightly to soil or other solids
biotransformation	Conversion of a substance into other compounds by organisms; including biodegradation.
cold blooded	An animal that cannot regulate its own body temperature, rather it's regulated by the environment, so they often bask for heat, burrow, and hibernate. (also called ectothermic )
double cropping	The practice of producing two or more crops consecutively on the same parcel of land during a 12-month period
siphon tubes	(Irrigation) Small curved pipes, typically 0.5-4.0 inches (1.3-10.2 centimeters) in diameter, that deliver water over the side of a head ditch or lateral to furrows, corrugations, or borders.
designated floodway	The channel of a stream and the portion of the adjoining floodplain designated by a regulatory agency to be kept free of further development to provide for unobstructed passage of flood flows.
hydrology	The study of the movement and properties of water on the earth's surface, underground and in the atmosphere.
habitat	The part of the physical environment in which a plant or animal lives.
accountability	A principle through which individuals, organisations and the community are responsible for their actions and may be required to explain them to others.
organisational functions	Basic management theory identifies six organisational functions which must be carried out by corresponding organisational systems for any institutional organisation to function effectively
compensated hardness	A calculated value based on the total hardness, the magnesium to calcium ratio, and the sodium concentration of a water
boiling water reactor	A nuclear reactor in which water, used as both coolant and moderator, is allowed to boil in the core
electrical charge	The charge on an ion, declared by its number of electrons
stream reach	An individual segment of stream that has beginning and ending points defined by identifiable features such as where a tributary confluence changes the channel character or order.
cape verde islands	A group of volcanic islands in the eastern Atlantic Ocean off the coast of West Africa
sargasso sea	An area of the North Atlantic Ocean between Bermuda and the Azores
aeration	The process in which air is brought into intimate contact with water, often by spraying water through air, or by bubbling air through water
ecological flow requirements	The water flow requirements needed to maintain the riverine ecology, recharge riverine aquifers and maintain the river channel.
dmsa	Department of Energy (DOE) Material Storage Areas Areas established for the storage of unused material and equipment at indoor and outdoor onsite locations.
seiche	An oscillation of the water surface of a lake or other body of water due to variations of atmospheric pressure, wind, or minor earthquakes
free-flowing weir	A weir that in use has the tailwater lower than the crest of the weir.
stream reach	The continuous portion of a stream channel and adjoining floodplain from one selected point to another, usually measured along the Thalweg of the channel.
gully reclamation	Projects designed to prevent erosion in gullies by either filling them in or planting vegetation to stabilize the banks
gabion	A wire cage, usually rectangular, filled with cobbles and used as a component for water control structures or for channel and bank protection.
recurrence interval	average amount of time between events of a given magnitude
protozoa	A very diverse group comprising some 50,000 eukaryotic organisms that consist of one cell
erosion	The process in which material is worn away by a stream of air or liquid, often due to the presence of abrasive particles in the stream; a physical or mechanical wearing process rather than a chemical solution process.
aquifer	An underground geological formation, or group of formations, containing usable amounts of groundwater that can supply wells and springs.
intercepting drain	A drain constructed at the upper end of an area to intercept and carry away surface or ground water flowing toward the area from higher ground
temporal	Related to time.
silt	Substrate particles smaller than sand and larger than clay (3 to 60 um).
bank stability	The ability of a stream bank to counteract erosion or gravity forces.
aqueous solubility	the maximum concentration of a chemical that will dissolve in pure water at a reference temperature.
transport capacity	the capacity of a river to carry sediment in suspension or to move sediment along the riverbed.
semipermeable	A medium that allows water to pass through, but rejects dissolved solids, so that it can be used to separate solids from water.
berm crest	ridge of sand or gravel deposited by wave action on the shore just above the normal high water mark.
siltation	The deposition of sediment
percolation	Flow of a liquid through an unsaturated porous medium, e.g
diversion dam	A barrier built to divert part or all of the water from a stream into a different course
overturn	(1) The sinking of surface water and rise of bottom water in a lake or sea that results from changes in temperature that commonly occur in spring and fall
lake	an inland body of water, usually fresh water, formed by glaciers, river drainage etc
exploratory holes	An excavation drilled to obtain engineering or geological data for the purposes of defining water bearing formations for production wells.
potential rate of evaporation	The rate of evaporation under the existing atmospheric conditions from a surface of water that is chemically pure and has the temperature of the atmosphere
stressed waters	A portion of an aquatic environment with poor species diversity due to human actions
formative assessment	Formative assessment refers to the ongoing forms of assessment that are closely linked to the learning process
sustainable forestry	the practice of managing forest resources to meet the long-termforest product needs of humans while maintaining the integrity of forested landscapesand sustaining a full range of forest values-economic, social and ecological.
state engineer	The official most often charged with the administration of the water appropriation system within a state
distributary	A diverging stream which does not return to the main stream, but discharges into another stream or the ocean
anabranch	a secondary channel of a stream which leaves and then rejoins the main channel
turbellarian	The tiny eddies created in water by the cilia any of a class (Turbellaria) of mostly aquatic and free-living flatworms (as a planarian).
coarse woody debris	Portion of a tree that has fallen or been cut and left in the woods
non-community water system	A public water system that is not a community water system, e.g., the water supply at a camp site or national park.
sample interval	the time period between successive samples for a digital signal or between successive measurements for an analog signal.
bulkhead	A low wall of stones, concrete, or piling built to protect a shore, or fills, from wave erosion.
fema	Federal Emergency Management Agency; The federal agency responsible for dealing with emergency flood conditions and flood insurance.
estuarine waters	Deepwater tidal habitats and tidal wetlands that are usually enclosed by land but have access to the ocean and are at least occasionally diluted by freshwater runoff from the land (such as bays, mouths of rivers, salt marshes, lagoons, etc.).
wake	The visible track of turbulence left by something moving through water.
trough	An elongated area of low atmospheric pressure that is associated with an area of minimum cyclonic circulation
coagulant aid	(Wastewater Treatment) Fine particles with high surface area and high specific gravity providing for increased particle collisions during the neutralization process in wastewater treatment plants
transparency	The portion of light that passes through water without distortion or absorption
underground water	Water below the surface of the ground
volatile solids	The quantity of solids in a sample which is lost by ignition of the dry solids at 600Â°C.
detailled engineering	Front-end design and engineering for a project
atmosphere	The layer of gases surrounding the earth.
azotobacter	Any of various rod-shaped, nonpathogenic, nitrogen-fixing bacteria of the genus azotobacter, found in soil and water
habitat loss	The process of conversion of a natural ecosystem to degraded system incapable of supporting native wildlife
softened water	Any water that is treated to reduce hardness minerals to 1.0 gpg (17/1 mg/1) or less, expressed as calcium carbonate.
fractography	descriptive treatment of fracture, especially in metals, with specific reference to photographs of the fracture surface
market capitalization	The value attributed at a given instant by the stock exchange to a company
hydroplane	(Nautical) (1) A motorboat designed so that the prow and much of the hull lift out of the water and skim the surface at high speeds
amoeba	A small, single-celled animal or protozoan.
general circulation model	Models that simulate complex processes in the atmosphere, including the impacts of climate change from future increases in green house gas emissions
lc50	The concentration of a toxic substance which is fatal to 50 percent of the organisms tested under specific test conditions and time periods.
suspended water	Underground water held in the Zone of Aeration by molecular attraction exerted on the water by the rock and earth materials and by the attraction exerted by the water particles on one another
catchment	(1) the catching or collecting of water, especially rainfall
micrograms per liter	A unit of measure: the number of micrograms of one substance in a liter of liquid
dry vault	an on-line facility constructed of reinforced concrete underground to control the frequency of flooding downstream by limiting the peak runoff flow
flow controller	An in-line self pressure adjusting or orifice to regulate the flow of water or regenerant through a water conditioner.
immediate improvements	Defined as a number of actions which could improve MSWM services in a city with little effort and at little or no cost
geopressured reservoir	A geothermal reservoir consisting of porous sands containing water or brine at high temperature or pressure.
obstruction	any slide, dam or other obstruction impeding the free passage of fish.
depletion	That portion of the water supply that is consumptively used.
outer shell	Outer covering of an element usually perforated or screen.
pleuston	(1) Plants that float on the surface of bodies of fresh water
rating curve	a graph showing the relationship between water surface elevation and discharge of a stream or river at a given location
member states	States that joined a particular international treaty.
percolation	The downward movement of water through the soil or alluvium to a groundwater table.
delivery concept	The mode of making deliveries with respect to time; types are rotation, scheduled, or demand deliver concepts.
microflora	Plants invisible to the naked eye, such as diatoms and algae.
scour	Concentrated erosive action of flowing water in streams that removes and carries away material from the bed and banks.
aerobic	angiosperm: Flowering plants that have their ovules enclosed within a specialized membrane and their seeds within a seedcoat
feedback	Flow Control
limestone	(Geology) A sedimentary rock composed of calcite, or calcium carbonate (CaCO3), and sometimes containing shells and other hard parts of prehistoric water animals and plants
streamflow	the discharge that occurs in a natural channel.
chemotroph	An organism that obtains its energy from the oxidation of chemical compounds.
emergent aquatic vegetation	vascular plants that grow with their roots and lower stems in water and their leaves and flowers above the water surface
eukaryote	protected area (or reserve): Parks, ecological reserves, and other tracts set aside from intense development to conserve their natural ecological values
geothermal energy	The heat energy available in the earth's subsurface, extracted from three basic sources: (1) steam; (2) hot water; and (3) hot rocks or near surface intrusions of volcanic molten rock
brownian movement	The random movement of microscopic particles suspended in a fluid medium.
surface runoff	The portion of rainfall that moves over the ground toward a lower elevation and does not infiltrate into the soil.
debris guard	A screen or grate at the intake of a channel, drainage, or pump structure for the purpose of stopping debris.
wharf	a platform built along or at an angle from the shore of navigable water so that ships may lie alongside to receive and discharge cargo and passengers.
water pollution	water that has been made unclean for aquatic life and plants by dumping in foreign objects or liquids from human activities or natural processes.
phosphates	General term used to describe phosphorus-containing derivatives of phosphoric acid (H3PO4)
dams	earth or other construction along a river to control water flow
subterranean water	Those subsurface waters whose courses are well defined and reasonably ascertainable and whose existence is not temporary.
condensation	The process by which a vapour becomes a liquid or solid; the opposite of evaporation
solvent	Substance (usually liquid) capable of dissolving one or more other substances.
land tenure	The legal regime in which land is owned by an individual
half-life	radiological half-life The time required for half of a given number of atoms of a specific radionuclide to decay. Each nuclide has a unique half-life.
aquifer	An underground geological formation, or group of formations, containing water
regenerant	A solution of a chemical compound used to restore the capacity of an ion exchange system
braided stream	A complex tangle of converging and diverging stream channels (Anabranches) separated by sand bars or islands
water yield	The quantity of water derived from a unit area of watershed.
oxidation	A chemical process in which electrons are removed from an atom, ion, or compound; causing the substance's valence to increase
lake evaporation	Normal evaporation such as from a pond or lake.
raceway	A rectangular fish rearing unit that has a continuous flow of freshwater to maintain suitable oxygen, temperature, and cleanliness for intensive production.
base flow	The sustained portion of stream discharge that is drawn from natural storage sources and not affected by human activity or regulation.
movable bed	A stream bed made up of materials readily transportable by the streamflow.
salt marsh	Low areas adjacent to the sea that are covered with salt-tolerant vegetation (Halophytes) and regularly flooded by the high tide
nutrient	Any food, chemical element or compound an organism requires to live, grow, or reproduce.
flood irrigation	The application of irrigation water where the entire surface of the soil is covered by a sheet of water, called Controlled Flooding when water is impounded or the flow directed by border dikes, ridges, or ditches.
bacillus spp.	a gram-positive, aerobic spore-forming bacteria
off-channel area	Any relatively calm portion of a stream outside of the main flow.
ecological reserve	Relates to the water reserved to protect and sustain the aquatic ecosystems in order to secure ecologically sustainable development and water use.
cctv	Sewer inspection method that uses a remote controlled color television camera to capture and transmit images from the inside of a sewer.
evapotranspiration	The combined processes by which water is transferred from the earth surface to the atmosphere; evaporation of liquid or solid water plus transpiration from plants
subhumid climate	Regions where moisture in normally less than under humid conditions but still sufficient for the production of many agricultural crops without irrigation or dryland farming
yellowboy	Iron oxide flocculent (clumps of solids in waste or water); usually observed as orange-yellow deposits in surface streams with excess iron content
bass	Any of a number of North American fish found in streams and lakes
organism abundance and condition	that portion of an Index of Biotic Integrity that is a metric measuring species abundance and condition, including proportion of individuals as hybrids and proportion of individuals with disease, tumors, physical damage, or physical anomalies.
low flow frequency curve	A graph showing the magnitude and frequency of minimum flow for a specified period of time (duration).
marine surveying	The branch of surveying that comprises a topographic survey of the coast and a hydrographic survey of adjacent waters
dissolved load	All the material transported by a stream or river in solution, as contrasted with Bed Load and Suspended Load.
macroscale	The meteorological scale covering an area ranging from the size of a continent to the entire globe.
partial pressure	That pressure of a gas in a liquid, which is in equilibrium with the solution
optical density	a logarithmic measure of the amount of incident light attenuated
clay	Substrate particles that are smaller than silt and generally less than 0.004 mm in diameter.
digital elevation model	Representation of elevation as a raster grid of regularly spaced elevation values
breaker zone	area in the sea where the waves break.
soft water	Water that contains low concentrations of metal ions such as calcium and magnesium
suspended	Sediment particles which are held buoyantly aloft within a flowing body of water as a result of the fluid turbulence.
general contractor	The manager of a construction project and all its aspects
conjunctive use	The combined use of surface and ground water systems and sources to optimize resource use and prevent or minimize adverse effects of using a single source.
routing parameters	coefficients that, along with mathematical routing equations, can be used to estimate the attenuation and lag (time delay) associated with the movement of flow through a length of stream channel.
sediment	Soil particles that have been transported and/or deposited by wind or water action.
hydraulic action	The force of the water wears away the river bank from underneath
flat	A level landform composed of Unconsolidated Sedimentsâusually mud or sand
flow duration curve	a measure of the range and variability of a stream's flow
thermal spring	A spring that brings warm or hot water to the surface
pour point	the temperature at which a liquid ceases to flow; or at which it congeals
impervious surface	A surface that does not allow water or other liquids to pass through it (for example, pavement).
physiographic province	a region in which the landforms differ significantly from those of adjacent regions.
outfall	The mouth or outlet of a river, stream, lake, drain or sewer.
flow	The rate of water discharged from a source given in volume with respect to time.
ambient temperature	Temperature of the surroundings.
convection	Motions in a fluid that transport and mix the properties of the fluid
biomass	The amount of living matter, in the form of organisms, present in a particular habitat, usually expressed as weight-per-unit area.
drainage field ditch	A shallow graded ditch for collecting excess water within a field, usually constructed with flat side slopes for ease of crossing.
productivity	standing crop).
usec	United States Enrichment Corporation, Inc
conduit	A natural or artificial channel through which fluids may be transported.
surface tension	The elastic-like force in a body, especially a liquid, tending to minimize, or constrict, the area of the surface.
oxide	Combination of oxygen with another element.
floodway fringe	The area of the floodplain on either side of the Regulatory Floodway where encroachment may be permitted.
staphylococcus	any of the pathogenic bacteria parasitic to humans, that belong to the genus Staphylococcus
safe yield	The rate at which water can be withdrawn from supply, source, or an aquifer over a period of years without causing eventual depletion or contamination of the supply
anastomosed channel	A stream channel, consisting of sediments resistant to erosion, containing numerous smaller channels separated by stable islands.
pathological waste	Pathological waste means human tissues, organs and body parts and the carcasses and body parts of all animals that were known to have been exposed to pathogens that are potentially dangerous to humans during research, were used in the production of biological or in vivo testing of pharmaceuticals, or that died of a known or suspected disease transmissible to humans.
by-product	A material that is not one of the primary products of a production process
deuterium oxide	An isotopic form of water with composition D2O, isolated for use as a moderator in certain nuclear reactors
stormwater runoff	The water and associated material draining into streams, lakes, or sewers as the result of a storm.
evaporation	The process of the passage of water from liquid to vapour.
silt	the fine-particulate fraction of sediment with particle size between 0.05 and 0.002 mm.
migration	fish and other animal movements between two or more separate habitats (e.g., from over-wintering habitat to spawning habitat).
valley	Low land between hills and mountains.
avulsion	A change in channel course that occurs when a stream suddenly breaks through its banks.
adiabatic process	A thermodynamic change of state in a system in which there is no transfer of heat or mass across the boundaries of the system
agglomeration	The process of encouraging very small particles to join with each other to make larger particles
tarn	a relatively small and deep, steep-sided lake or pool occupying an ice-gouged basin amid glaciated mountains.
chlorine demand	the quantity of chlorine absorbed by wastewater (or water) in a given length of time.
skimming	(1) The diversion of water from a stream or conduit by a shallow overflow in order to avoid diversion of sand, silt, or other debris carried as bottom load
abutment	The part of a valley side wall against which a dam is constructed
skimming	Using a machine to remove oil or scum from the surface of the water.
enteric	Of intestinal origin, especially applied to wastes or bacteria.
carbonate aquifer	An aquifer found in limestone and dolomite rocks
hygroscopic water	Water which is absorbed from the air.
wkwma	Western Kentucky Wildlife Management Area Area surrounding the PGDP leased and managed by the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources (KDFWR) for recreational purposes
food chain	A sequence of organisms, each of which uses the next, lower member of the sequence as a food source.
pump	Mechanical device allowing water to be lifted or raised.
shoal	(1) A shallow place in a body of water
suspended load	Sediment that is transported by suspension in the water column of a stream or river.
ephemeral	seasonal, usually in reference to a watercourse that does not flow year-round or a wetland that is dry in summer months
winters doctrine	The doctrine of (federal) reservation rights
cumulus humilis	Cumulus clouds with little or no vertical development characterized by a generally flat appearance
spillway	A channel for reservoir overflow.
subwatershed	A drainage area within a watershed.
upflow	A term used to indicate the direction (up) in which water or regenerant flows through an ion exchanger or filter media bed during any phase of the operating cycle.
morphology	the form, shape, or structure of a stream or organism.
climatic year	a period used in meteorological measurements
sustainable development	Concept developed since the late twentieth century, which aims to take into account the environmental and social aspects in the development of humanity
calcium carbonate equivalent	A common basis for expressing the concentration of hardness and other salts in chemically equivalent terms to simplify certain calculations; signifies that the concentration of dissolved mineral is chemically equivalent to the stated concentration of calcium carbonate.
free liquids	Liquids, which readily separate from the solid portion of a waste under ambient temperature and pressure.
flood plain	A natural area adjacent to a stream or river where water overflows during extreme storm events
fission	Reproduction of microrganisms by means of cell division.
erosive	The action of wind or water having sufficient velocity to cause Erosion
psi	Pounds per square inch.
bioremediation	a process that uses living organisms to remove pollutants.
benthos	Collectively, all organisms living in, on, or near the bottom substrate in aquatic habitats (examples are oysters, clams, burrowing worms).
fema	Federal Emergency Management Agency
artesian aquifer	Aquifer whose piezometric surface lies above the ground surface (sometimes used loosely as syn
evaporation	process of liquid water becoming water vapor
pitting	The construction of pits or basins of suitable capacity and distribution to retain water and increase infiltration on rangeland.
sewer separation	The practice of separating combined single pipe systems into separate sewers for sanitary and storm water flows.
floodplain of aggradation	A flood plain formed by the building up of the valley floor by sedimentation.
sand	Composed predominantly of coarse-grained mineral sediments with diameters larger than 0.074 mm (0.0029 inch) and smaller than 2 mm (0.079 inch) in diameter.
fluvial	pertaining to a river or stream.
assimilate	To take up or absorb
constricting	The method, which many snakes utilize to kill their prey by wrapping themselves around and tightening until the meal is dead.
flood wave	A distinct rise in stage, culminating in a crest and followed by recession to lower stages.
specimen	any material derived from a test system for examination or analysis.
confining bed	A body of "impermeable" material stratigraphically adjacent to one or more aquifers
detergent	Usually refers to synthetic detergent, but can be any material with cleansing powers such as soap, alkaline materials, synthetic detergents, solvents, and abrasives
micronutrient	A chemical element required only in small amounts (usually less than one part per million [ppm] in the plant) for the growth of plants.
dredging	an excavation activity or operation usually carried out at least partly underwater, in shallow seas or freshwater areas with the purpose of gathering up bottom sediments and disposing of them in a different location
particle size	The sizes of a particle, determined by the smallest dimension, for instance a diameter
infiltrometer	An instrument which determines the rate and amount of water percolating into the soil by measuring the difference between the amount of water applied and that which runs off
fecal coliform	bacteria from excrement, fecal coliform are not necessarily harmful by themselves, but are indicative of the presence of other disease-causing organisms that may cause diarrhea, vomiting, or a more serious illness.
proof of beneficial use	A part of the water right application and permitting process which documents that the water permitted for use has been applied to Beneficial Use
ecology	The study of the relationships between living organisms and their environment.
deionization	The removal of the ionized minerals and salts (both organic and inorganic) from a solution by a two-phase ion exchange procedure
canal prism	The cross-sectional shape of a typical canal.
stack	Vertical tube used to raise gases to some height where they can disperse freely.
carbonate hardness	Water hardness caused by the presence of Carbonate and Bicarbonate of calcium and magnesium
ground-water flow system	the underground pathway by which ground water moves from areas of recharge to areas of discharge.
creek	A small stream of water which serves as the natural drainage course for a drainage basin; a flowing rivulet or stream of water normally smaller than a river and larger than a brook
bioassay	the process of using the response of living organisms to determine the effect of a treatment; study of living organisms to measure the effect of a substance, factor, or condition by comparing before-and-after exposure or other data.
guidelines	Recommended or suggested standards, criteria, rules or procedures that are advisory, voluntary and unenforceable.
infectious disease	a disease caused by agents including bacteria, viruses or parasitic worms
crop coefficient	The ratio of evapotranspiration occurring with a specific crop at a specific stage of growth to potential evapotranspiration at that time.
crib dam	A barrier or form of Gravity Dam constructed of timber forming bays, boxes, cribs, crossed timbers, gabions or cells that are filled with earth, stone or heavy material
activated silica	A negatively charged colloidal substance generally formed by combining a dilute sodium silicate solution with a dilute acidic solution (or other activant)
fahrenheit temperature scale	A temperature scale where water at sea level has a freezing point of +32°F and a boiling point of +212°F
perennial plants	plants that live for more than one year
backscatter	Backscatter is the portion of the outgoing radar signal that the target redirects directly back towards the radar antenna.
eolian soil material	Soil material accumulated through wind action.
liter	The unit of volume in the metric system
seasonally flooded	Water regime in estuaries with seasonally-closed mouths and seasonally-flooded habitats.
fossilian	Animals that need land or sand for burrowing.
paleopedology	The study of fossil soils
groundwater	Water that flows below the ground surface through saturated soil, glacial deposits or rock.
channel	In instances sub-lacustrine channels appear where a lake has been formed by the submergence of a valley, or the drowning of a river; the channels formed under subaerial conditions by stream cutting may remain unfilled by sediments, on the lake bottom.Â Channel is applied to a surface water way, either natural or artificial, which connects two lakes and provides for boat travel; to river distributaries and connecting water in a delta; and to trench-like excavations extended inland from a lake shoreline to provide water frontages and boat access for back lots.
predator mutualism	Two or more species of predators working together to capture prey.
forebay	A reservoir or pond situated at the intake of a pumping plant or power plant to stabilize water levels; also, a storage basin for regulating water for percolation into groundwater basins.
lifts	Layers of loose soil
semi-confined aquifer	An aquifer partially confined by soil layers of low permeability through which recharge and discharge can still occur.
buffer strip	A barrier of permanent vegetation, either forest or other vegetation, between waterways and land uses such as agriculture or urban development, designed to interrupt and filter out pollution before it reaches the surface water resource.
emissions	Physical or chemical evidence given off to the environment by a process as a result of its activity
nsf	Abbreviation for National Sanitation Foundation Testing Laboratory
saturated zone	generally the zone within sediment and rock formations where all voids are filled with water under pressure greater than atmospheric.
peninsula	A peninsula is a body of land that is surrounded by water on three sides.
endemism	the characteristic of being confined to or indigenous in, a certain area or region.
ditch	a long narrow excavated channel for drainage or to mark a boundary
organisational aspects	Refers to issues which need to be addressed when analysing institutional systems for MSWM
fuel fingerprint	gas chromatograph analysis of a fuel to identify its source by comparison with fingerprints of fuels from known sources.
adjudication	Refers to a judicial process whereby water rights are determined or decreed by a court of law
pheromone	a chemical compound given off by an insect to communicate with other insects of the same species (see also: Semiochemicals).
heat stroke	Introduced to the body by overexposure to high temperatures, particularly when accompanied by high humidity
buffer strip	A barrier of permanent vegetation, either forest or other vegetation, between waterways and land uses such as agriculture or urban development, designed to intercept and filter out pollution before it reaches the surface water resource.
waste picking	A process of extraction of recyclables and reusables materials from a mixed MSW for further use and/or processing.
annelid	Phylum of invertebrates that are typically elongated and segmented, including earthworms and leeches.
geologic log	A detailed description of all underground features (e.g., depth, thickness, type of formation, etc.) discovered during the drilling of a well.
profundal zone	a lake's deep-water region that is not penetrated by sunlight.
sloping gage	A staff gage used to register the elevation of the water surface in a stream channel, conduit, reservoir or tank, with a scale graduated to represent vertical elevation
maximum sustainable yield	The greatest amount of a renewable natural resource (e.g., forests or wildlife) that can be removed without diminishing the continuing production and supply of the resource.
tillage	mechanical disturbance of the soil by using various implements to alter the soil structure; usually done to create a seedbed, kill weeds or increase water entry (see reduced (or minimum) tillage)
total dissolved solids	The weight of solids per unit volume of water which are in true solution, usually determined by the evaporation of a measured volume of filtered water, and determination of the residue weight.
ion	An atom or compound that carries an electrical charge
ltar	See Long-Term Acceptance Rate (of Soils).
leaching efficiency	The ratio of the average salt concentration in drainage water to an average salt concentration in the soil water of the root zone when near field capacity (also defined as the hypothetical fraction of the soil solution that has been displaced by a unit of drainage water).
incidental recharge	Ground water recharge (infiltration) that occurs as a result of human activities unrelated to a recharge project, for example, irrigation and water diversion (unlined canals)
purgeable organics	Volatile organic chemicals which can be forced out of the water sample with relative ease through purging.
organism	any form of animal or plant life.
hydraulic gradeline	A line, the plotted ordinate position of which represents the sum of pressure head plus elevation head for the various positions along a given fluid flow path, such as a pipeline or ground-water streamline
geopressured reservoir	a geothermal reservoir consisting of porous sands containing water or brine at high temperature or pressure.
freeboard	the vertical distance between the lowest point along the top of a surface impoundment dike, berm, levee, treatment works or other similar feature and the surface of the liquid contained therein.
sedimentation	The deposition of sediment
flood plain	Any lowland that borders a stream and is inundated periodically by its waters.
staff gage	A graduated scale used to indicate the height of the water surface in a stream channel, reservoir, lake, or other water body.
hydrology	the study of water, its properties, distribution on Earth, and effects on the Earth’s environment.
pyrolox	A super oxidation media serving as a catalyst in the removal of iron, hydrogen sulfide and manganese
anadromous	Pertaining to fish that spend a part of their life cycle in the sea and return to freshwater streams to spawn, for example, salmon, steelhead, and shad
osmosis	The diffusion of water across a selectively permeable membrane (allows passage of water but retards or prohibits passage of a solute) from the side with the lower solute concentration to the side with a higher solute concentration.
sustainable development	Defined by the Brundtland Report as "Development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs."
utilization rate	- percent of the fibers in paper that are from recycling processes (rather than virgin fibers)
soil erosion	The detachment and movement of soil from the land surface by wind or water.
washout	(1) Erosion of a relatively soft surface, such as a roadbed, by a sudden gush of water, as from a downpour or floods
flame arrester	A device that prevents flame propagation.
mechanical aeration	The use of mechanical energy to inject air into water to cause a waste stream to absorb oxygen.
orbit	The path of a body or particle under the influence of a gravitational or other force
permafrost	Perennially frozen layer in the soil, found in alpine, arctic, and antarctic regions.
vegetation clearing window	a period of least risk for vegetation disturbance when there will be a reduced risk of impacting bird eggs, nests, and young
homogeneous	Having a uniform consistency or ingredients; composed of similar ingredients.
vapor barrier	A continuous plastic membrane which surrounds the entire thermal envelope of a house and prevents moisture penetration into the wall cavity
swale	A piece of meadow, often a slight depression or valley, as in a plain or moor, marshy and rank with vegetation
calibration	to check, adjust, or determine by comparison that a computer model will produce results that meet or exceed some defined criteria within a specified degree of confidence.
operating pressure	The range of pressure, usually expressed in pounds per square inch, over which a water conditioning device or water system is designed to function
detention time	(1) The theoretical calculated time required for a small amount of water to pass through a tank at a given rate of flow
fauna	the entire animal life of a region (see also flora)
infiltration index	The average rate of infiltration, in inches per hour, derived from a time intensity graph of rainfall, so that the volume of rainfall in excess of this rate equals the total direct runoff
streambank erosion control	Vegetative or mechanical control of erodible stream banks, including measures to prevent stream banks from caving or sloughing, such as jetties, revetments, riprap and plantings necessary for permanent protection.
bright band	A narrow, intense radar echo due to water-covered ice particles at the melting level where reflectivity is at its greatest.
project yield	The water supply attributed to all features of a project, including integrated operation of units that could be operated individually
estuaries	Somewhat enclosed coastal areas at the mouths of a river where nutrient rich fresh water meets with salty ocean water.
grid injection	Operation that consistes of injecting biomethane after compression and verification of composition into the natural gas grid
public good	A resource with non-subtractive consumption and unlimited access
reliction	A recession of the sea or other water body leaving land uncovered
natural erosion	Wearing away of the earth's surface by water, ice, or other natural agents under natural environmental conditions of climates and vegetation
kilogram	One thousand grams.
water audit	A procedure that combines flow measurements and listening surveys (leak detection) in an attempt to give a reasonably accurate accounting of all water entering and leaving a system.
ecotone	(1) A habitat created by the juxtaposition of distinctly different habitats; an edge habitat; or an ecological zone or boundary where two or more ecosystems meet
site series	sites capable of producing the same late seral or climax plant communities within a biogeoclimatic subzone or variant.
invertebrate	Animals that have no spinal column or backbones.
siltation	the deposition of soil particles moved by the river caused by an obstruction to the river's flow or lower flow velocity.
watershed	The entire region draining into a river, river system or body of water.
flood	any relatively high streamflow that overflows the natural or artificial banks of a stream.
permissible velocity	(Hydraulics) The highest velocity at which water may be carried safely in a channel or other conduit
perfection	The process of meeting terms and conditions of a water right permitting process which results in a Perfected Water Right.
face	The external surface of a structure, such as the surface of an appurtenance or a dam.
anadramous	any fish which spends a portion of its life cycle in freshwater and a portion in the sea aquifer - an underground layer of rock, sediment or soil that is filled or saturated with water aquifer system - a heterogeneous body of introduced permeable and less permeable material that acts as a water-yielding hydraulic unit of regional extent aqueduct - man-made canal or pipeline used to transport water
endpoint	The point at which a process is stopped because a predetermined value of a measurable variable is reached.
background concentration	A concentration of a substance in a particular environment that is indicative of minimal influence by human (anthropogenic) sources.
beach	A sloping landform on the shore of larger water bodies, generated by waves and currents and extending from the water to a distinct break in landform or substrate type (e.g., a foredune, cliff, or bank.)
snow depth	The actual depth of snow on the ground at any instant during a storm, or after any single snowstorm or series of storms.
snag	Any standing dead, partially dead, or defective (cull) tree at least 10 inches in diameter at breast height and at least 6 ft tall
water line	(Nautical) (1) The line on the hull of a ship to which the surface of the water rises
beach nourishment	Artificial process of replenishing a beach with material from another source. Also referred to as beach renourishment and beach recharge.
hydrology	The science dealing with the properties, distribution, and circulation of natural water systems
inclusions	particles of a foreign material in a metallic matrix
solvents	the component of either a liquid or solid solution that is present to a greater or major extent; the component that dissolves the solute – the component of a liquid or solid solution that is present to a lesser or minor extent.
return on investment	(ROI) The interest rate at which the net present value of a project is zero
current meter	An instrument for measuring the velocity of water flowing in a stream, open channel, or conduit by ascertaining the speed at which elements of the flowing water rotate a vane or series of cups.
hydrographic region [nevada]	Nevada has been divided into 14 hydrographic regions or basins, which are now used by the Nevada Division of Water Resources, Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, and the U.S
point source	A stationary location from which pollutants are discharged
permit	a permit issued by a state or the federal government to discharge effluent into waters of the state or the United States
hydric soil	A soil that, in its undrained condition, is saturated, flooded, or ponded long enough during the growing season to develop Anaerobic conditions that favor the growth and regeneration of hydrophytic vegetation (Hydrophytes).
lower basin states	Countries situated downstream or in the region of the mouth of a river.
regenerant	The solution used to restore the activity of an ion exchanger
asbestos	The various forms of asbestos are: serpentine (chrysoltile), riebeckite (crocidolite), cummingtonite-grunerite, anthophyllite and actinolite-tremolite.
barotropy	The state of a fluid in which surfaces of constant density or temperature are coincident with surfaces of constant pressure
cost	the outlay or expenditure (as of money, effort or sacrifice) made to achieve an object or advantage cost-effective - able at least to pay for itself or make a profit county water authority - a public water district serving a county-wide area cubic foot of water - the amount of water needed to fill a cube that is one foot on all sides; about 7.5 gallons
mfnds	Maxey Flats Nuclear Disposal Site
salt flat	the level, salt-encrusted bottom of a dried up lake or pond.
fluorescent whitening agents	- FWA, agents that absorb UV light and convert it to visible light, making the paper brighter
molar	a solution concentration having one mole of solute per liter of solution.
hydrogeologic parameters	Numerical parameters that describe the hydrogeologic characteristics of an aquifer such as Porosity, Permeability, and Transmissivity.
bog	a type of wetland that accumulates appreciable peat deposits
generator	Any person or organisation whose actions or process generate MSW.
flash	To fill suddenly with water.
watershed	The region draining into a river, river system, or body of water.
salina	an area where deposits of crystalline salt are formed, such as a salt flat; a body of saline water, such as a saline playa or salt marsh.
btu	British Thermal Unit
mine tailings	The decomposed outcrop of a bed or vein of valuable material.
shelf-life studies	that time for which, under normal conditions, a product remains wholesome
interstices	the void or empty portion of rock or soil occupied by air or water.
toxic water pollutants	Compounds that are not naturally found in water at the given concentrations and that cause death, disease, or birth defects in organisms that ingest or absorb them.
geologic erosion	normal or natural erosion caused by geological processes acting over long geologic periods and resulting in the wearing away of mountains, the building up of floodplains, coastal plains, etc.
ph	The value that determines if a substance is acid, neutral or basic, calculated from the number of hydrogen ions present
flush tank	A tank or chamber in which water is stored for rapid release.
environmental management plan	A plan outlining the means of achieving environmental objectives and goals.
point bar	The convex side of a meander bend that is built up due to sediment deposition.
water softening	Any process, but most usually involving ion exchange, for removing from water, in whole or in part, those Cations which produce hardness (primarily calcium and magnesium)
ground water plume	A volume of contaminated groundwater that extends downward and outward from a specific source; the shape and movement of the mass of the contaminated water is affected by the local geology, materials present in the plume, and the flow characteristics of the area groundwater.
contaminant	Anything added to a substance that makes the substance unfit for use
hydraulic gradient pivot point	A location along the water surface in a canal reach where the water level remains essentially constant during changes in flow.
plankton bloom	A large quantity of plankton giving water a definite color
dystrophic	(Ecology) Characterized by having brownish acidic waters, a high concentration of humic matter, and a small plant population
streamline	(1) A line that is parallel to the direction of flow of a fluid at a given instant
riparian zone	Pertaining to or located on the bank of a body of water, especially a stream.
plate count	A count of the number of colonies gives the number of bacteria in the portion of the sample that was taken.
exothermic	Chemical reaction that releases energy in the form of heat
switchgrass	Panicum virgatum, is a native grass species of the North American Praries that has high potential as an herbaceous energy crop
subtropical air	An air mass that forms over the subtropical region
authorization	if proposed works have the potential to result in the harmful alteration, disruption or destruction (HADD) of fish habitat, DFO must be contacted to determine if an authorization under subsection 35(2) of the Fisheries Act is necessary.
pollution	the addition of an undesirable substance to the air, water or soil that in some manner damages the biological, structural or aesthetic value of the ecosystem
wedge	Primarily refers to an elongated area of shallow high pressure at the earth's surface
gram	The unit of mass in the metric system
process control	RDF
channelization	The artificial enlargement or realignment of a stream channel.
stemflow	The rainfall or snowmelt led to the ground down the trunks or stems of plants.
flame propagation	A flammable mixture from ignition source spreads through the gas pipe train starting at low flows and increases in speed as it travels through a long pipe run.
compressive strength	the maximum compressive stress that a material is capable of developing, based on the original area of cross section
filtration	the process of separating solids from a liquid by means of a porous substance through which only the liquid can pass.
bistable	A property of a dynamical system in which two discrete states of the system are stable; in a biological setting, bistability implies that a system will persist in a given state even if the stimulus that drove it to that state is removed.
well	A pit, hole, or shaft dug into the earth to tap an underground supply of water.
deinking loss	- Unwanted loss of solid material from pulp during deinking (usually 10-40%)
heu	Highly Enriched Uranium Enriched uranium containing at least 90% U-235; used in bomb manufacture, research and naval reactors.
aquifer	an underground layer of rock or soil that contains water and can supply a large quantity of water to wells or springs Assessment
total solids	The total amount of solids in the sample, which includes: dissolved, suspended, and volatile.
carrying capacity	(Lake) The amount of human development that can occur in the lake's watershed without causing a significant change in its water quality.
casing	a tubular structure intended to be watertight installed in the excavated or drilled hole to maintain the well opening and, along with cementing, to confine the ground waters to their zones of origin and prevent the entrance of surface pollutants.
purl	(1) To flow or ripple with a murmuring sound
diquat	A strong, non-persistent, yellow, crystalline herbicide, C12H12Br2N2, used to control water weeds.
climax	Describes a state of balance that is reached through ecological succession (development and change in composition of vegetation communities in an area over time).
extinction	the process of becoming extinct; dying out or coming to an end.
roughness coefficient	(Hydraulics) A factor in velocity and discharge formulas representing the effect of channel roughness on energy losses in flowing water.
waterfall	a sudden, nearly vertical drop in a stream, as it flows over rock.
flux	a material used to promote joining of metals in soldering.
bed forms	three-dimensional configurations of bed material, which are formed in streambeds by the action of flowing water.
transport	The movement of a soil particle, nutrient, or pesticide from its original position
la niña	Condition opposite of an El Nino
glass transition temperature	the point below which plastic behaves as glass does – it is very strong and rigid, but brittle
disinfectant time	The time it takes water to move from the point of Disinfectant application (or the previous point of residual disinfectant measurement) to a point before or at the point where the residual disinfectant is measured.
kilowatt hour	One kilowatt of power applied for one hour.
answers	Areal Nonpoint Source Watershed Environmental Response Simulation.
fractured bedrock aquifer	An aquifer composed of solid rock, but where most water flows through cracks and fractures in the rock instead of through pore spaces
floodplain management measures	Refers to an overall community program of corrective and preventive measures for reducing future flood damage
wellfield	area containing one or more wells that produce usable amounts of water or oil.
middle stone age	The Middle Stone Age (or MSA) was a period of African Prehistory between Early Stone Age and Late Stone Age
secular trend	(Data Analysis) A trend existing to some characteristic or phenomena over a relatively long period of time
tackifier	material sprayed onto a soil surface to bind soil particles and prevent erosion.
titration	An analytical process in which a standard solution in a calibrated vessel is added to a measured volume of sample until an endpoint, such as a color change, is reached
river channels	The trenches in which rivers flow for most of the year.
sustainability world view	species: An aggregation of individuals and populations that can potentially interbreed and produce fertile offspring, and is reproductively isolated from other such groups.
lead	Lead in drinking water is a common problem, it comes from lead pipes, solder, and brass fittings
flow	The amount of water passing a particular point in a stream or river, usually expressed in cubic-feet per second (cfs).
overrunning	This occurs when a relatively warm air mass is forced above a cooler air mass of greater density
earthquake	A sudden, transient motion or trembling of the earth's crust, resulting from the waves in the earth caused by faulting of the rocks or by volcanic activity.
feedlots	A plot of ground on which livestock are fattened for market.
slope protection	The protection of a Slope against wave action or erosion.
in-series flow	A piping system in which all of the effluent flow of one unit in a water treatment system is fed to a second and succeeding unit
sorting rejects	Materials not recovered during industrial sorting
live branch cuttings	Living, freshly cut branches from woody shrub and tree species that readily propagate when embedded in soil.
continent	A large land mass rising abruptly from the deep ocean floor, including marginal regions that are shallowly submerged
biota	the animals, plants, and microorganisms that live in a specific area Buffering Capacity
cogeneration	This clean technology enables the simultaneous production of electricity and heat from a given type of fuel.
bioflocculation	The clumping together of fine, dispersed organic particles by the action of certain bacteria and algae.
biomagnification	A process in which concentrations of certain compounds found in tissues of organisms increase in successive levels of the food chain.
scour	the erosive action of flowing water in streams that removes and carries away material from the bed and banks.
concentration	the measure is useful because it corrects for temperature, salinity, and atmospheric pressure which influence the saturation level, a high deficit can be an indicator of a water quality problem.
interstate compact	States administer water rights within their own political boundaries; however, the process becomes more complicated when involving an interstate body of water (Interstate Water)
regolith	the layer or mantle of fragmented and unconsolidated rock material, residual or transported, that nearly everywhere forms the surface of the land and overlies or covers the bedrock.
playa lake	a shallow, temporary lake in an arid or semiarid region, covering or occupying a playa in the wet season but drying up in summer; temporary lake that upon evaporation leaves or forms a playa.
shoal	a relatively shallow place in a stream, lake, or sea.
herbivorous	Feeding exclusively or mainly on plants.
rockwell superficial testing	same as the Rockwell Hardness Test except that smaller minor and major loads are used.
water year	a division based on a general pattern of annual wet and dry periods rather than a calendar year
riparian doctrine	The system for allocating water used in England and the eastern United States
snowdrift	A mass or bank of snow piled up by the wind.
ozone	a gas (O2) resulting from complex chemical reactions in the atmosphere between hydrocarbons, nitrogen oxides and sunlight
ultra-violet oxidation	A process using extremely short wave-length light that can kill micro-organisms (disinfection) or cleave organic molecules (photo oxidation) rendering them polarized or ionized and thus more easily removed from the water.
pollutant	or the pollutant or substance itself, such that the final concentration after mixing is lower than that in the effluent or of the pure substance.
solubilize	To make (substances such as fats and lipids) soluble in water by the action of a detergent or similar agent.
acequia	(Southwestern U.S.) An irrigation canal.
marsh	an area periodically inundated and treeless and often characterized by grasses, cattails, and other monocotyledons
nutrients	such as potassium, sulfur, magnesium, calcium, copper and zinc, soil that is lacking in these substances can be fertilized with biosolids which also improve soil properties and plant productivity reducing dependence on inorganic fertilizers.
static water depth	the vertical distance from the centerline of the pump discharge down to the surface level of the free pool while no water is being drawn from the pool or water table.
ion exchanger	A permanent, insoluble material which contains ions that will exchange reversibly with other ions in a surrounding solution
hypolimnetic discharge	The process of removing nutrient-rich, oxygen-deficient water from the bottom of a lake or reservoir to improve water quality conditions.
carbon dioxide	A colorless, odorless, nonpoisonous gas, CO2, that forms Carbonic Acid when dissolved in water
arm	(1)An inlet of water (as from the sea)
point source	Originating at any discrete source.
osmosis	A process of diffusion of a solvent (such as water ) through a semi-permeable membrane which will transmit the solvent but impede most dissolved substances
release	Any discharge to the environment
bioaugmentation	The introduction of cultured microorganisms into the subsurface environment for the purpose of enhancing bioremediation of organic contaminants
bilge water	Water that collects and stagnates in the bilge or bottom-most areas of a ship.
channelization	The process of changing (usually straightening) the natural path of a waterway.
cyst	(See spore.)
influent water	Water that flows into sink holes, open cavities, and porous materials and disappears into the ground.
radarsonde observation	An upper air observation used to determine winds and other meteorological data, by tracking the range, elevation, and azimuth of a radar target carried aloft
anode	A site in electrolysis where metal goes into solution as a cation leaving behind an equivalent of electrons to be transferred to an opposite electrode, called a cathode.
oil spill	An intentional or accidental dispersal of oil (often unprocessed or crude oil, but could be oil at any stage of processes) into a terrestrial or marine habitat
ground water mining	The withdrawal of water from an aquifer in excess of recharge which, if continued over time, would eventually cause the underground supply to be exhausted or the water table could drop below economically feasible pumping lifts.
return seepage	Water which percolates from canals and irrigated areas to underlying strata, raising the ground-water level, and eventually returning to natural channels.
limb	The part of the Hydrograph in which the discharge is steadily increasing or decreasing.
residue on evaporation	A procedure for establishing the mineral content of a water.
ocean	An ocean is a large body of salt water that surrounds a continent
physiographic	Adjective from physiography (or, Physical geography) – one of the three major subfields of geography
bank	The ground at the side of a river
bioindicators	organisms that are used to detect changes in environmental pollutant levels, such organisms are usually sensitive to changes in their surroundings Biomagnification
kcfs	A measurement of water flow equivalent to 1,000 cubic feet of water passing a given point for an entire second.
toxicant	Any chemical that has the potential of causing acute or chronic adverse effects in animals, plants, or humans.
bosque	a dense growth of trees and underbrush.
channeling	The flow of water or regenerant taking the line of least resistance through a media bed, as opposed to the usual distributed flow through all passages of the bed
kilograin	One thousand grains.
fillers	materials used to increase the bulk of a product without adding to its effectiveness in functional performance.
sodium hydrosulfite	A strong reducing agent used as the main ingredient of several resin cleaners used to clean iron fouled in ion exchange resin beds.
crop residue management	A year-round system beginning with the selection of crops that produce sufficient quantities of residue and may include limited secondary harvest of residue
compounds	Two or more different elements held together in fixed proportions by attractive forces called chemical bonds.
uplands	(1) The ground above a floodplain; that zone sufficiently above and/or away from transported waters as to be dependent upon local precipitation for its water supplies
celestial equator	The projection of the plane of the geographical equator upon the celestial sphere.
submeander	A small meander contained within the banks of a main channel, associated with relatively low discharges.
dynamic system	A system or process in which motion occurs, or includes active forces, as opposed to static conditions with no motion.
flashiness	a measure of a river or stream's tendency to carry a high percentage of its flow volume in large, infrequent events rather than more moderate flows that occur frequently.
orographic precipitation	rainfall that occurs as a result of warm, humid air being forced to rise by topographic features such as mountains
micromho	One millionth of a mho
endangered species preservation act	Passed in 1966, this represented the first legislated effort towards identification and protection of animal species in the United States threatened by extinction
woodland	an area with scattered trees where the portion of the land surface covered by the crowns is more than 30% (open woodland) but less than 60% (forest)
milligrams per kilogram	A way of expressing dose: milligrams (mg) of a substance per kilogram (kg) of body weight or soil.
climax	The final stage of vegetation succession; a climax community reproduces itself and is in equilibrium with the existing environment.
creep	time-dependent strain occurring under stress
breakup	The cracking and shifting of ice in rivers or harbors during the spring.
aerobic treatment	The process by which microbes decompose complex organic compounds in the presence of oxygen and use the liberated energy for reproduction and growth (such processes include composting, secondary wastewater treatment, extended aeration, trickling filtration, and rotating biological contractors).
aquifer	An underground layer of rock or soil containing ground water.
mouth	The end of the river
circulation loop	a system that returns cold water to the water heater (instead of down the drain) until hot water reaches the faucet
transesterification	A chemical process which reacts an alcohol with the triglycerides contained in vegetable oils and animal fats to produce biodiesel and glycerin.
lwd	large woody debris
virus	The smallest form of life known to be capable of producing disease or infection, usually considered to be of large molecular size
poles/polar	The poles are the geographic point at 90 degrees latitude North and South on the earth's surface
single-station design	A water quality monitoring design that utilizes one station at a point downstream from the area of BMP implementation to monitor changes in water quality.
crown	the upper part of a tree or other woody plant that carries the main system of branches and the foliage.
flora	The population of plants in a given area, environment, formation, or time span
chlorophyll mapping	Showing the variation of chlorophyll over the surface of a water body on a map.
dredger	a ship or boat employed in dredging.
hydraulic gradient	The slope of the water surface (see also stream gradient).
aquifer	A geologic formation, group of formations, or part of a formation capable of yielding a significant amount of groundwater to wells or springs
national poverty alleviation plans	Many less developed countries have established strategic plans to coordinate public and private efforts to combat poverty
spreading basin	A surface facility, often a large pond, used to increase the percolation of surface water into a Ground Water Basin
ion	An atom or group of atoms which functions as a unit, and has a positive or negative electrical charge, due to the gain or loss of one or more electrons
venom	A toxin produced by an animal.
altitude	How high a place is above sea level.
toxic	able to poison a living organism; poisonous.
turbidimeter	a device that measures the cloudiness of suspended solids in a liquid; a measure of the quantity of suspended solids.
distilled water	water that has been treated by boiling and condensation to remove solids, inorganics, and some organic chemicals.
gated pipe	(Irrigation) Portable pipe with small gates installed along one side for distributing water to corrugations or furrows.
trash racks	pervious barriers constructed to catch debris and prevent damage to or blockage of a culvert, bridge or the inlet of a multiplate structure.
creep	Slow mass movement of soil and soil material down relatively steep slopes, primarily under the influence of gravity but facilitated by saturation with water and by alternate freezing and thawing.
agroforestry	Combines agriculture and forestry technologies to create more integrated, diverse, productive, profitable, healthy and sustainable land use systems.
aerobic treatment	Process by which microbes decompose complex organic compounds in the presence of oxygen and use the liberated energy for reproduction and growth
mass	the quantity of matter in a body as measured by its resistance to a change in acceleration; different but proportional to weight.
supply augmentation	Alternative water management programs such as conjunctive use, water banking, or water project facility expansion that increase supply.
dystrophic lake	A lake characterized by a lack of nutrients, and often having a low pH (acidic) and a high humus content
mwip	Municipal Waste Incineration Plant
bioretention	a type of stormwater filtering system where runoff is temporarily stored in a shallow depression and then allowed to gradually infiltrate through a constructed filter bed of soil and plants to an underlying drain system.
approximate original contour	The surface configuration achieved by backfilling and grading of mined areas so that the reclaimed area, including any terracing or access roads, closely resembles the general surface configuration of the land prior to strip mining and blends into and complements the drainage pattern of the surrounding terrain.
aquifer test	A test to determine hydrologic properties of an aquifer, involving the withdrawal of measured quantities of water from, or the addition of water to, a well and the measurement of resulting changes in head in the aquifer both during and after the period of discharge or addition (recharge).
onp	- old newsprint
remediation	restoration ecology: Activities undertaken by ecologists to repair ecological damage, such as establishing vegetation on degraded habitat, increasing the populations of endangered species, and decreasing the area of threatened ecosystems.
diode	a component that readily passes current in one direction but opposes current flow in the opposite direction.
water level pivot point	A location along the water surface in a canal reach where the water level remains essentially constant during changes in flow.
discharge	the volume of water that passes a given point within a given period of time
riffle	Area of a stream or river characterized by a rocky substrate and turbulent, fast-moving, shallow water.
flood plain	The area adjacent to a stream that is on average inundated once a century.
drainage basin	the land area drained by a river or stream.
water use	used for a specific purpose, i.e., domestic, agricultural or industrial.
social behavior	Communicating with behaviors and sounds (a few species vocalize).Generally this kind of "talking" is with members of your own species
pathogen	microorganisms which can cause disease.
water transfer	Artificial conveyance of water from one area to another across a political or hydrological boundary
confluence	A rate at which wind flow comes together along an axis oriented normal to the flow in question
critical habitat	The area of land, water, and airspace required for normal needs and survival (e.g., forage, reproduction, or cover) of a plant or animal species.
deep carbonate aquifer [nevada]	An aquifer within the Great Basin which is comprised of a thick sequence of carbonate rock, generally lying below basin fill deposits.
sedimentation	the deposition of soil and other natural solids in waterbodies
terminal velocity	The final velocity of falling solid particles in water or in air or of raindrops in air.
key watershed	As defined by National Forest and Bureau of Land Management District fish biologists, a watershed containing (1) habitat for potentially threatened species or stocks of anadromous salmonids or other potentially threatened fish, or (2) greater than 6 square miles with high-quality water and fish habitat.
air check	A device which allows water, but not air, to pass through it
hydraulic earthfill dam	An embankment built up from waterborne clay, sand, and gravel carried through a pipe or flume.
swim	To move through water by means of the limbs, fins, or tail.
radionuclide	An unstable nuclide capable of spontaneous transformation into other nuclides by changing its nuclear configuration or energy level
water delivery system	Reservoirs, canals, ditches, pumps, and other facilities to move water.
wastewater discharge factor	the ratio between water discharged from a production process and the mass of product of that production process
solder	an alloy of lead/tin used for making permanent electrical connections between parts and wire.
seepage losses	A measure of water losses in a conveyance system due to water being seeped into the surrounding soils
synergism	an interaction in which the total effect of the interaction is greater than the sum of the two taken separately
polyacrylamides	Synthetic polymers with extensive water-retention and water-saving capabilities used to halt erosion and promote dryland farming
air quality standards	The maximum level which will be permitted for a given pollutant
debris torrent	Rapid movement of a large quantity of materials (wood and sediment) down a stream channel during storms or floods
terrestrial	A term used to describe Animals living on land.
abandonment	Failure to put a water right to Beneficial Use for generally five or more years, in which the owner of the water right states that the water right will not be used, or takes such actions that would prevent the water from being beneficially used
amp6	The 6th Asset Management Plan since privatisation, to run from 2015 - 2020.
cut-off low	A closed cold core low completely removed from the primary westerly flow
thermoelectric power water use	Water used in the process of the generation of Thermoelectric Power
fungus	Funguses, or fungi, are types of plants that have no leaves, flowers or roots
consequent lake	Lake existing in a depression representing the original inequality in a new land surface
consent decree	(Environmental) A legal document approved by a judge, that formalizes an agreement reached between the U.S
bolson	An alluvium-floored basin, depression, or wide valley, mostly surrounded by mountains and drained by a system that has no surface outlet; an undrained basin
channel storage	The volume of water at a given time in the channel or over the flood plain of the streams in a drainage basin or river reach
littoral zone	The area of shallow fresh water in which light penetrates to the bottom and nurtures rooted plants.
fjord	A fjord is a long, narrow sea inlet that is bordered by steep cliffs.
siltation	Deposition of earthy matter, fine sand, or the like by moving or running water.
venturi	A channel that serves the measurement of water flows.
conductance	A rapid method of estimating the dissolved solids content of a water supply by determining the capacity of a water sample to carry an electrical current.
fault-line scarp	A steep slope produced along an old fault line by differential weathering and erosion, rather than by fault movement.
tuberculation	The process in which blister-like growths of metal oxides develop in pipes as a result of the corrosion of the pipe metal
uptime	(Irrigation) The total time that a system is available for service.
aquatic macrophytes harvesting	The manual and mechanical cutting and collecting of aquatic plants from lakes.
transpiration ratio	The number of pounds of water required for transpiration per pound of dry plant tissue produced.
bacteria	Microscopically small single-cell organisms, that reproduce by fission of spores.
principle of limiting factors	lithification: A geological process in which materials are aggregated, densified, and cemented into new sedimentary rocks.
specific gravity	a comparison by weight to an equal volume of pure water, at a standard temperature.
odors	Are self-descriptive
buddle	An inclined trough in which crushed ore is washed with running water to flush away impurities.
chronic toxicity test	a method used to determine the concentration of a substance in water that produces an adverse effect on a test organism over an extended period of time
undercast	In aviation, it is an opaque cloud layer viewed from an observation point above the layer
deionization	The removal of all ionized minerals and salts (both organic and inorganic) from a solution by a two-phase ion exchange procedure
opalized	A rock whose original constituents have been replaced by opaline silica, a form of Silica (SiO2) containing varying percentages of water.
plumb	A weight on the end of a line, used to determine water depth.
microorganisms	Bacteria, yeasts, simple fungi, algae, protozoans, and a number of other organisms that are microscopic in size
antecedent precipitation index	An index of moisture stored in a basin before a storm, calculated as a weighted summation of past daily precipitation amounts
administered groundwater basin	A groundwater basin (watershed, area, or sub-area) which, in the interest of public welfare, is monitored by an appropriate agency to insure adequate water resources for prescribed uses
discharge	the volume of fluid passing a point per unit of time, commonly expressed in cubic feet per second, million gallons per day, gallons per minute, or seconds per minute per day.
alloy	a substance having metallic properties and being composed of two or more chemical elements of which at least one is a metal.
saroc	San Antonio River Oversight Committee; a twenty-two member citizen committee appointed in 1998 to guide the planning and implementation of the San Antonio River Improvements Project.
secchi disc	A circular plate, generally about 10-12 inches (25.4-30.5 cm) in diameter, used to measure the transparency or clarity of water by noting the greatest depth at which it can be visually detected
chs	Kentucky Cabinet for Health Services
shaft	A vertical or inclined opening of uniform and limited cross section made for finding or mining ore, raising water, or ventilating underground workings (as in a cave).
solvents	a liquid substance that is used to dissolve or dilute another substance
saline/poor quality aquifer	An aquifer containing water that is high in total dissolved solids, and is unacceptable for use as drinking water.
spill containment kit	a kit consisting absorbent materials, shovels, and a temporary storage drum, maintained at the Project site and located near or in the vicinity of works using machinery where a spill of deleterious substances could occur.
scupper	(1) (Nautical) Openings along the side of a ship at deck level to allow water to run off
macro-routing	Creating collection routes by dividing a collection area into smaller areas representing one day or work for one crew.
rdf	Recycling
specific resistance	The measure of the electrical resistance of water or a water solution at a specific temperature, usually 25oC
cta	Cellulose triacetate
tideland	(1) Land overflowed during flood tide
forfeited water right	a water right canceled because of several consecutive years of nonuse.
decade	A range of 10-years time-period.
base flow	The fair-weather or sustained flow of streams; that part of stream discharge not attributable to direct runoff from precipitation, snowmelt, or a spring
humboldt current	Also known as the Peru Current, this ocean current flows northward along the western side of South America, offshore Chile and Peru
percent sodium	The percent of cationic equivalents in a water which is attributable to sodium.
basal expression	The level of transcription that occurs in the absence of an inducer.
instream aeration	The addition of air to a flowing stream to maintain the dissolved oxygen content of the water at an acceptable level.
sustainable development	Development that ensures that the use of resources and the environment today does not restrict their use by future generations.
strain	a loss in ductility accompanied by an increase in hardness and strength that occurs when low-carbon steel (especially rimmed or capped steel) is aged following plastic deformation.
armoring	the formation of an erosion-resistant layer of relatively large particles on a streambed or bank resulting from removal of finer particles by erosion.
seiche	a sudden oscillation of the water in a moderate-size body of water, caused by wind.
biologicals	Vaccines, cultures and other preparations made from living organisms and their products, intended for use in diagnosing, immunizing, or treating humans or animals, or in related research.
rfi program	RCRA Facility Investigation Program EPA-regulated investigation of a solid waste management unit with regard to its potential impact on the environment.
dod	U.S
calcareous fens	Peatlands formed in areas of groundwater discharge, where cold, anoxic, mineral-rich water provides a specialized habitat for disproportionately large numbers of rare and endangered plants
sulfate	In the range of 30 gpg, sulfate salts can cause laxative effects and medicinal taste
stream bank	The side slopes of a channel between which the stream flow is normally confined.
economic good	A scarce resource that is limited in quantities in comparison to the demand for the resource
mainstem	The principle channel of a drainage system into which other smaller streams or rivers flow.
microbiological	a branch of biology dealing especially with microscopic forms of life.
biodiversity	the number of different plants and animals that live in a specific area Bioindicators
bioaccumulants	Substances that increase in concentration in living organisms as they take in contaminated air, water, or food because the substances are very slowly metabolized or excreted.
scarify	In land Restoration activities, to stir the surface of the ground with an implement in preparation for replanting.
detachment	The removal of transportable fragments of soil material from a soil mass by an eroding agent, usually falling raindrops, running water, or wind
dilution	The reduction of the concentration of a substance in air or water.
jet stream	a long narrow meandering current of high-speed winds near the tropopause blowing from a generally westerly direction and often exceeding a speed of 250 miles per hour.
streambed	The channel through which a natural stream of water runs or used to run, as a dry streambed.
alluvial valley floor	[Public Law 95-87, Section 701] (Legal) "The unconsolidated stream laid deposits where water availability is sufficient for subirrigation or flood irrigation
couloir	A deep mountain gorge or gully.
littoral transport	The movement of sedimentary, either parallel (long-shore transport) or perpendicular (on-shore transport), to the shoreline.
environment	aggregate of external conditions that influence the life of an individual organism or population.
point velocity	velocity measured at a single point in the water column of flowing water
rainshadow	An area of reduced precipitation commonly found on the leeward side of a mountain.
receiving waters	A river, lake, ocean, stream or other watercourse into which wastewater or treated effluent is discharged.
synthetic oils	Oils not derived from shale, coal or a polymer-based staring material; and nonpolymeric synthetic fluids that are used as hydraulic fluids and heat transfer fluids, such as those based on phosphate esters, diphenly oxide or alkylated benzenes
bios model	BIOSequil, a steady state biosphere model developed by CSIRO Land and Water for quantifying the coupled balances (stores and fluxes) of carbon, nitrogen, phosphorus and water in Australian landscapes
flocculation	The accumulation of destabilized particles and micro flakes, and subsequently the formation of sizeable flakes
fluoridation	The addition of a fluoride compound to a water supply for the reduction in incidence of dental caries.
dissolved solids concentration	For water this concentration is determined either analytically by the "residue-on-evaporation" method, or mathematically by totaling the concentrations of individual constituents reported in a comprehensive chemical analysis.
colluvial material	(Geology) Material consisting of Alluvium in part and also containing angular fragments of the original rocks
mole	an amount of a substance weighing the number of grams equal to the total atomic weight in one molecule (or atom)
chemoautotroph	An organism that utilizes oxidation of inorganic chemicals for its energy and carbon dioxide for cell growth
vapor flow	The gaseous flow of water vapor in soils from a moist or warm zone of higher potential to a drier or colder zone of lower potential.
biomagnification	An increase in the concentration of a substance in each progressive link of the food chain.
perennial	a plant that has a life-span of more than two years
adit	A horizontal or nearly horizontal passage, driven from the surface, for the working or dewatering of a mine
geomorphology	Geomorphology is the scientific field that investigates how landforms are formed on the Earth (and other planets).
fish flows	"Artificially increased flows in the river system called for in the fish and wildlife program to quickly move the young fish down the river during their spring migration period
flow duration curve	A cumulative frequency curve that shows the percentage of time that specified discharges are equaled or exceeded.
geomorphology	The science that treats the general configuration of the Earth's surface; the description of landforms.
silica	Silica can be found in water as a natural forming mineral or an additive to public water supplies
nutrient cycle	the cyclic conversions of nutrients from one form to another within biological communities
freeze	to harden into ice or into a solid body; to change from the liquid to the solid state by loss of heat.
hydraulic ram	A device which uses the energy of falling water to force a small portion of the water to a height greater than the source
detention time	The theoretical time required to displace the contents of a tank at a given rate of discharge.
consumptive irrigation requirement	The quantity of irrigation water, exclusive of precipitation, stored soil moisture, or ground water, that is required consumptively for crop production.
solid waste disposal facilities	the area and associated structures designed to contain solid wastes Solubility
coliform organism	Microorganisms found in the intestinal tract of humans and animals
psid	Pounds per square inch differential.
beach erosion	The carrying away of beach materials by wave action, tidal currents, or littoral currents, or by wind.
normal year	A year during which the precipitation or streamflow approximates the average for a long period of record.
stratosphere	The layer of the atmosphere located between the troposphere and the mesosphere, characterized by a slight temperature increase and absence of clouds
jar test	a laboratory procedure that simulates a water treatment plant's coagulation/flocculation units with differing chemical doses, mix speeds, and settling times to estimate the minimum or ideal coagulant dose required to achieve certain water quality goals.
microscopic	visible only at magnifications greater than 10 diameters.
swale	a slight depression, sometimes filled with water, in the midst of generally level land.
stream order	A ranking of the relative sizes of streams within a watershed based on the nature of their tributaries
radioactivity	The spontaneous emission of radiation, generally alpha or beta particles or gamma rays, from the nucleus of an unstable isotope.
catchment	(1) The catching or collecting of water, especially rainfall
infrared spectroscopy	procedure that identifies types of organic compounds based on their characteristic absorption of infrared radiation
parts per million	A common basis for reporting the results of water and waste water analyses, indicating the number of parts by weight of a dissolved or suspended constituent, per million parts by weight or water or other solvent
flow	The discharge rate of a resource, expressed in volume during a certain period of time.
fugitive emissions	Air pollutants released to the air other than those from stacks or vents; typically small releases from leaks in plant equipment such as valves, pump seals, flanges, sampling connections, etc.
preemergence herbicide	Herbicide applied before emergence of the crop (prevention).
gallons per minute	A unit used to measure water flow.
plugging	The act or process of stopping the flow of water, oil, or gas into or out of a formation through a borehole or well penetrating that formation.
limnology	The study of life in lakes, ponds, and streams.
community water system	In Texas, a public water system which has a potential to serve at least 15 residential service connections on a year-round basis or serves at least 25 residents on a year-round basis.
calibration	the process of adjusting the instrument read out so that it corresponds to the actual concentration
model plant	A hypothetical plant design used for developing economic, environmental, and energy impact analyses as support for regulations or regulatory guidelines; the first step in exploring the economic impact of potential New Source Performance Standards (NSPS).
barrier winds	Refers to the westerly flow of air along the northern slope of the Brooks Range in northern Alaska that precedes the arrival of colder air from the north.
mariculture	The cultivation of marine organisms for use as a food resource
pollution	Generally, the presence of matter or energy whose nature, location, or quantity generates undesired environmental effects.
sandbar	A ridge of sand built up by currents, especially in a river or in coastal waters.
vortex rocks	Rocks placed in a streambed to help direct flows for the formation of meanders and creation of riffles and pools
readily water-soluble substances	In water pollution, chemicals that are soluble in water at a concentration equal to or greater than one milligram per liter (mg/l).
fluvial	Of or pertaining to rivers and streams; growing or living in streams ponds; produced the action of a river or stream.
confluence	(1) the act of flowing together; the meeting or junction of two or more streams; also, the place where these streams meet; (2) the stream or body of water formed by the junction of two or more streams; a combined flood.
eluviation	(1) The removal of soil material in suspension (or in solution) from a layer or layers of a soil
construction manager	Specialized company whose role is to assist the Client in the project
soil bioengineering	An applied science that combines structural, biological, and ecological concepts to construct living structures for erosion, sediment, and flood control
vapor	The gas given off by substances that are solids or liquids at ordinary atmospheric pressure and temperatures.
hummock	(1) A small but steep, irregular hill rising above the general level of the surrounding land; a low mound or ridge of earth, a knoll
carp	A fresh water fish that sometimes lives in schools in lakes
conservation area	Designated land where conservation strategies are applied for the purpose of attaining a viable plant or animal population.
landfill gas	Leachate
leachate collection system	A system that gathers leachate (usually in a landfill) and pumps it to the wastewater treatment facility.
blanch	To scald or parboil in water or steam in order to remove the skin from, whiten, or stop enzymatic action in (as food for freezing).
sediment dam	A structure used specifically to trap sediment in water and prevent its transport further downstream.
porosity	The ratio of void volume to total cake volume. Also describes filter media which may have larger pores than any other cake media.
transpiration	process in which water absorbed by the root systems of plants moves up through the plants, passes pores (stomata) in their leaves or other parts, and then evaporates into the atmosphere as water vapor; the passage of water vapor from a living body through a membrane or pores.
manganese greensand	Greensand which has been processed to incorporate in its pores and on its surface the higher oxides of manganese
point of diversion	The point from which water is diverted from a source.
sediments	Soil, sand, and minerals washed from land into water, usually after rain.
enrichment	The addition of nutrients (e.g., nitrogen, phosphorus, carbon compounds) from sewage effluent or agricultural runoff to surface water, greatly increases the growth potential for algae and other aquatic plants.
nutrient concentrations	(see anoxia, anaerobic).
gravity system	System of conduits (open or closed) in which the liquid runs on descending gradients from source to outlet, and where no pumping is required.
canopy	the overhanging cover formed by branches and foliage.
rectangular pattern	An arrangement of stream courses in which tributaries flow into larger streams at angles approaching 90.
trematoda	Parasitic flatworms.
cross connection	Any physical connection between two otherwise separated piping systems one of which contains potable water and the other of unknown or questionable safety, whereby flow may occur from one system to the other depending on the pressure differential between the two systems.
anion	A negatively charged ion that results from the dissociation of salts, acids or alkali's in solution.
oil skimmer	A device that collects and removes oil from a water surface
head	Difference in elevation between intake and discharge points for a liquid
effluent streams	Effluent streams are those leaving a lake
diurnal	Relating to the daytime; occurring during daylight hours
peclet number	the relationship between properties of the mesh, fluid velocity, and eddy viscosity for a hydraulic computer model.
dune pond	A lake occupying a basin formed as a result of the blocking of the mouth of a stream by sand dunes migrating along the shore.
scavenger	A polymer matrix or ion exchanger used to remove organics from feedwater prior to a deionization process.
sludge	A semi-solid residue from any of a number of air and/or water treatment processes.
extinct	a species that no longer exists
molarity	a measure of solution concentration expressed in moles of solute per liter of solution.
joule	A unit of energy or work equivalent to one watt per second, 0.737 foot-pounds, or 0.238 Calories, or 9.484 X 10-4 British Thermal Unit (BTU).
intermittent flow	The term usually applied to the interrupted patterns of water usage; also used in reference to specific on-off flow patterns selected to test the performance of water conditioning equipment under standard conditions which may or may not be similar to actual patterns of use.
antecedent moisture	The degree of wetness of soil at the beginning of a runoff, determined by summation of weighted daily rainfall amounts for a period preceding the runoff.
dissolved oxygen	The amount of oxygen freely available in water and necessary for aquatic life and the oxidation of organic materials.
transpiration	the cyclic transfer of water from the Earth's surface via evapotranspiration into the atmosphere, from the atmosphere via precipitation back to earth, and through runoff into streams, rivers, and lakes and ultimately into the oceans, (see water cycle).
rate control	Rate control refers to controlling the rate of runoff using structures to simulate pre-construction conditions.
water service reliability	The degree to which a water service system can successfully manage water shortages.
herbaceous	with characteristics of an herb; a plant with no persistent woody stem above ground.
duripan	A subsurface (soil) horizon that is cemented by silica.
stream	a general term for a body of flowing water.
aerobe	An organism that requires free oxygen for growth.
unsaturated zone	a subsurface zone above the water table where the pore spaces may contain a combination of air and water.
water jacket	A casing containing water circulated by a pump, used around a part to be cooled, especially in water-cooled internal-combustion engines.
maximum holding time	The longest time period that water samples can be retained between the taking of the sample and the laboratory analysis for a specific material before the results are considered invalid
soil erosion	the processes by which soil is removed from one place by forces such as wind, water, waves, glaciers, and construction activity and eventually deposited at some new place.
hydrogen ion concentration	the normality of a solution with respect to hydrogen ions, H+; it is related to acidity measurements in most cases by the equation pH= log 1/2[1/(H+)] where H+ is the hydrogen ion concentration in gram equivalents per liter of solution.
stream bank failure	Collapse or slippage of a large mass of bank material into the channel caused by hydraulic or geotechnical modes or a combination of both.
shallows	a term applied to a shallow place or area in a body of water; a shoal.
casing	the pipe made of approved material installed in a well bore hole to prevent sidewall caving, to provide access to an aquifer, and to provide protection from up-hole or surface contamination of the aquifer.
fines	Extremely small particles of filter media or ion exchange material, often the result of breakage or chemical or physical deterioration.
principal spillway	Allows discharge of water from a reservoir when the water level exceeds the top of the spillway
filox-r	A naturally occurring ore which serves as a catalytic filter media in the removal of iron, hydrogen sulfide and manganese
flora	Plant life
satellite plant	Generally refers to a wastewater treatment facility in an outlying area, not connected to the main plant.
solvent	The liquid, such as water, in which other materials (solutes ) are dissolved.
seasonal application efficiency	The sum of evapotranspiration of applied water and leaching requirement divided by the total applied water, expressed as a percentage: SAE=(ETAW+LR)/AW.
contributing area	The area in a drainage basin that contributes water to streamflow.
hard water	water containing a high level of calcium, magnesium, and other minerals
rational method	A simple procedure for calculating the direct precipitation peak runoff from a watershed, using the rainfall intensity, the area of the watershed, and the runoff coefficient appropriate for the type of watershed runoff surface.
accretion	Accumulation of sand or other beach material due to the natural action of waves, currents and wind.
terrain	physical features of a tract of land.
dam	A barrier or structure across a stream, river, or waterway for the purpose of confining and controlling the flow of water.
floating plant	A non-anchored plant that floats freely in the water or on the surface; e.g., water hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes) or common duckweed (Lemna minor).
water absorption	the weight of water absorbed by a porous ceramic material, under specified conditions, expressed as a percentage of the weight of the dry material.
critical flow	(1) The flow conditions at which the discharge is a maximum for a given specific energy, or at which the specific energy is a minimum for a given discharge
fish community	In ecology, the species of fish that interact in a common area.
ownership entitlements	The maximum acreage a landholder may directly or indirectly own and irrigate with Reclamation irrigation water.
holding pond	A pond or reservoir, usually made of earth, built to store polluted runoff.
zero tillage	a production system in which there is no tillage at all
siting	The process of choosing a location for a MSW treatment/processing facility and/or landfill (site selection).
aqueduct	(1) A pipe, conduit, or channel designed to transport water from a remote source, usually by gravity
closed canopy	Forest trees dense enough that tree crowns fill or nearly fill the canopy layer.
icefall	(1) The part of a glacier resembling a frozen waterfall that flows down a steep slope
floating dock	(1) A structure that can be submerged to permit the entry and docking of a ship and then raised to lift the ship from the water for repairs
hydroponics	Cultivation of plants in nutrient solution rather than in soil.
breakthrough curve	A plot of relative concentration versus time, where relative concentration is defined as C/C0; the concentration at a point in the ground-water flow domain divided by the source concentration.
aerobic	Living systems or processes that require, or are not destroyed by, the presence of oxygen
backwater	(a) a pool type formed by an eddy along channel margins downstream from obstructions, such as bars, rootwads or boulders, or as a result of back flooding upstream from an obstructional blockage
temperature	The degree of hotness or coldness.
antibiotic screening	a method for quantitatively determining the concentration of an antibiotic by its effect in inhibiting the growth of a susceptible microorganism.
moisture holding capacity	the amount of liquid that can be held against gravity, by waste materials or soil, without generating free liquid.
trade winds	a system of easterly winds that dominate most of the tropics
macroevolution	mitigation: An action that repairs or offsets environmental damages to some degree.
nitrification	The process whereby ammonia in wastewater is oxidized to nitrite and then to nitrate by bacterial or chemical reactions.
bioconcentration factor	Used to describe the accumulation of chemicals in aquatic organisms that live in contaminated environments
curl	A hollow arch of water formed when the crest of a breaking wave spills forward.
recession hydrograph	A Hydrograph which shows the decreasing rate of runoff following a period of rain or snowmelt
capillary action	Water that at some point rises higher than that portion of its surface, not in contact with the solid surface
hydrogeology	the study of groundwater, with particular emphasis on the chemistry and movement of water Hydrologic
billabong	(Australian) (1) A dead-end channel extending from the main stream of a river
substrate	The substance, base, surface, or medium in which an organism lives and grows.
weather surveillance radar	The newest generation of Doppler radars, the 1988 Doppler weather radar
resin impregnated	Treatment of cellulose used in paper elements. Impregnation is carefully controlled in the manufacture of cellulose and provides a binder for the fibers which must be cured to specification during cartridge manufacture to preserve all the properties of the original specification for the cellulose.
virgin flow	the streamflow which exists or would exist if man had not modified the conditions on or along the stream or in the drainage basin.
heat-affected zone	that portion of the base metal that was not melted during brazing (a group of welding processes that join solid materials together by heating them to a suitable temperature and using a filler metal having a liquidus above 840° F and below the solidus of the base materials, cutting or welding, but whose microstructure and mechanical properties were altered by the heat.
in-situ vitrification	(Environmental) A technology used to treat hazardous waste substances in soils
hydrological regime	The long - term history of flow levels in a river.
sediment storage	That portion of total reservoir storage dedicated for sediment deposition and encroachment
hydroscope	An optical device used for viewing objects far below the surface of water.
stratocumulus	A low cloud composed of layers or patches of cloud elements
sludge	The material that settles out of wastewater primary and secondary treatment systems.
scale	The precipitate that forms on surfaces in contact with water as the result of a physical or chemical change.
amprometric titration	A means to measure concentrations of certain substances in water using an electric current that flows during a chemical reaction
pump lift	The distance between the ground water table and the overlying land surface.
eurybathic	Capable of living in a wide range of water depths
microstructure	the structure of a metal as revealed by microscopic examination of the etched surface of a polished specimen.
magnetometer survey	A magnetometer is an instrument that can detect metal objects buried underground
drainage basin	The total area of land from which water drains into a specific river.
saturated	(1) in organics, a chemical compound with all carbon bonds satisfied; it does not contain double or triple bonds and thus cannot add elements or compounds
flume	a natural or artificially made channel that diverts water.
microorganism	Small living creatures that you need a microscope to see, i.e
gully	a deeply eroded channel caused by the concentrated flow of water.
sediment	soil particles, sand, and minerals washed from the land into aquatic systems as a result of natural and human activities.
lift station	A pumping facility that raises municipal sewage to a higher elevation to allow for further gravity flow
nevada project wet [nevada]	See Water Education for Teachers (Project WET) [Nevada].
summation layer amount	The amount of sky cover for each layer is given in eighths of sky cover attributable to clouds or obscurations
salinity	The concentration of mineral salts dissolved in water
genotype	phenotypic plasticity: The variable expression of genetic information of an individual, depending on environmental influences during development.
benefit-cost ratio	The relationship of the economic benefits of an action to its total costs.
grit chamber	A concrete basin that allows larger grit particles (sand, dust, seeds, etc.) to settle out, while lighter materials pass through to the treatment process.
groundwater	The supply of fresh water found beneath the Earth's surface, usually in aquifers, which supply wells and springs
polymerization	The union of monomers or molecules to form a polymer consisting of giant molecules. Two to many thousand molecules may be required to form one polymer molecule.
lateral pipe	A pipe used to connect wells or trenches in a landfill.
particle size classification	Agrees with recommendations made by the American Geophysical Union Subcommittee on Sediment Terminology
erosion hazard	A predictive rating of the erosion potential for a specific soil or location.
coefficient of molecular diffusion	(1) The rate at which solutes are transported at the microscopic level due to variations in the solute concentrations within the fluid phases
dysentery	A disease caused by a type of bacteria, characterized by severe diarrhea and loss of body fluids.
recharge boundary	An aquifer system boundary that adds water to the aquifer
tube settler	Device using bundles of tubes to let solids in water settle to the bottom for removal by sludge.
meander bend	a winding or bending in the river
amphibiotic	Living in water during an early stage of development and on land during the adult stage.
microhm	One millionth of an ohm
water cushion	A pool of water maintained to absorb the impact of water flowing from an overfall structure.
bathymetric map	A map showing the depth (bottom contours) of water in lakes, streams, or oceans
old growth	Timber stands with the following characteristics; large mature and over-mature trees in the overstory, snags, dead and decaying logs on the ground, and a multi-layered canopy with trees of several age classes.
phagotroph	An organism that obtains nutrients through the ingestion of solid organic matter
soil moisture	water occurring in the pore spaces between the soil particles in the unsaturated zone from which water is discharged by the transpiration of plants or by evaporation from the soil.
cogeneration	Gas-driven turbines produce heat in the process of generating electricity
cut line	a line cut through a forest area to facilitate cadastral or seismic surveys, or to create firebreaks.
watershed area	The watershed area at a point in the stream refers to the area of the earth from which the water concentrates toward that point, through the drainage system.
onfarm	Activities (especially growing crops and applying irrigation water) that occur within the legal boundaries of private property.
tundra	A type of Ecosystem or Biome dominated by lichens, mosses, grasses, and woody plants
open woodlands	an area with scattered trees in which the tree crowns cover less than about 30% of land surface (see woodland)
squall	A sudden onset of strong winds with speeds increasing to at least 16 knots (18 miles per hour) and sustained at 22 or more knots (25 miles per hour) for at least one minute
slash and burn	(Environmental) An agricultural practice involving the rapid destruction of natural forest for limited farming activity
integrated solid waste management	Landfill
ion exchange	A reversible process in which ions are released from an insoluble permanent material in exchange for other ions in a surrounding solution; the direction of the exchange depends upon the affinities of the ion exchanger for the ions present, and the concentrations of the ions in the solution
economic growth	disturbance: An episode of destruction of some part of a community or ecosystem.
confining bed or unit	a body of impermeable or distinctly less permeable material stratigraphically adjacent to one or more aquifers.
autotrophic	Plants that produce their own nutrients
source reduction	Reducing the amount of waste entering the MSW stream by redesigning products or patterns of production or consumption (eg using returnable beverage containers)
public right-of-way	The designated area that lies between private property lines on the side that parallels the street
softwood	timbers from trees such as pines and cypresses; in Australia most softwood comes from pine plantations (see hardwood)
sodium adsorption ratio	An expression of relative activity of sodium ions in exchange reactions with soil, indicating the sodium or alkali hazard to soil
screen	A type of large sieve used to sort and separate different types of waste: biodegradable waste from light packaging with plastic film, for example.
diatomaceous earth	A fine, siliceous (made of silica) "earth" composed mainly of the skeletal remains of diatoms (single cell microscopic algae with rigid internal structure consisting mainly of silica)
snow creep	A continuous, extremely slow, downhill movement of a layer of snow.
freeboard	The vertical distance between a bed of filter media or ion exchange material and the overflow or collector for backwash water; the height above the bed of granular media available for bed expansion during backwashing
barge	a flat-bottomed freight boat.
klebsiella spp.	a genus of bacteria in the family enterobacteriaceae; nonmotile, encapsulated rods arranged singly, in pairs or in chains; some species are human pathogens.
tidal flat	an extensive, nearly horizontal, tract of land that is alternately covered and uncovered by the tide and consists of unconsolidated sediment.
attenuate	reduce in significance or concentration Backfilling
finished water	Water that has passed through all the processes in a water treatment plant and is ready to be delivered to consumers.
acre-foot	A quantity or volume of water covering 1 acre to a depth of 1 ft; equal to 43,560 ft3 or 325, 851 gal.
subsoil	Soil material underlying the surface soil.
rain shadow	A dry region on the lee side of a topographic barrier, usually a mountain range, where the rainfall is noticeably less than on the windward side.
cellulose	The primary constituent of pulp
evaporation transpiration septic systems	Evaporation-Transpiration (ET) Septic Systems, and Evapo-Transpiration Absorption Septic Systems (ETA) dispose of septic effluent from the septic tank by providing a surface area intended to allow the effluent to evaporate
magnesium	One of the elements in the earth's crust, the compounds of which when dissolved in water make the water hard
entrain	to trap bubbles in water either mechanically through turbulence or chemically through a reaction.
turn key project	Waste Stream
embayment	small, deep, backwater typically at the mouth of a temporary or intermittent stream.
icefield	A large, level expanse of floating ice that is more than eight kilometers (five miles) in its greatest dimension.
detention time	the time required for a volume of water to pass through a tank at a given rate of flow; in storage reservoirs, the length of time water will be held before being used.
marsh	wetland dominated by grasses.
eagre	A high, often dangerous wave caused by the surge of a flood tide upstream in a narrowing Estuary or by colliding tidal currents
volatile solids	Those solids in water or other liquids that are lost on ignition of the dry solids at 550 degrees C.
hazard analysis	the procedures involved in:
zone	(1) (Ecology) An area characterized by similar flora or fauna; a belt or area to which certain species are limited
revetment	(1) A facing of stone, concrete, or sandbags, or other materials, used to protect a bank of earth from erosion
flow augmentation	The addition of water to a stream especially to meet instream flow needs.
water hammer	The shock wave produced by the abrupt change of water flow through a piping system
regional metamorphism	The large scale regional alteration of pre-existing rocks under elevated temperatures and pressures resulting from burial in the earths crust
biodiversity	the variety of plant, animal, and microorganism species present in the ecosystem and the community structures the form.
drought condition	Hydrologic conditions during a defined Drought period during which rainfall and runoff are much less than average.
legionella spp.	a genus of bacteria, some species of which have caused a type of pneumonia called Legionnaires Disease.
aeration tank	a chamber used to inject air into water.
rhithron zone	A stream reach at higher elevations, characterized by rapid flow, low temperature, and high dissolved oxygen levels
valley fill	Alluvium or other material occupying areas below mountain slopes.
doc	See Dissolved Organic Carbon (DOC).
share or stock	A certificate representing ownership of one unit of the company's capital
aromatic compoundsl	a group of hydrocarbon fractions that forms the basis of most organic chemicals so far synthesized
photosynthesis	The process plants use to get energy from the sun
wet line	The length of sounding line below the water surface.
reduction of area	in tensile testing, the percentage of decrease in cross-sectional area of a specimen at the point of rupture.
watershed project	A group of activities undertaken in a geographic area to restore or protect the beneficial uses of a water resource.
protozoa	Large microrganisms, which consume bacteria.
stream	also a relatively high flow as measured by either gauge height or discharge quantity.
second law of thermodynamics	First Nations: The aboriginal people(s) originally living in some place
representative sample	A portion of material or water that is as nearly identical in content and consistency as possible to that in the larger body of material or water being sampled.
upstream	Opposite to the currents flow - towards the source of the river
soil thin-layer chromatography	A method used to estimate the potential for leaching a chemical from soil by measuring the mobility of the chemical in soil under controlled conditions.
larva	the immature, second life stage of an insect; a larva hatches from an egg
well or water well	a bored, drilled or driven shaft or a dug hole for the purpose of withdrawing water from an underground aquifer. Ground water is then retrieved by windlass and bucket, hand pump or motorized pump into a pipe system.
recycled fiber pulp	- Pulp produced from recovered paper to be used in papermaking
scabland	(Geography) An elevated area of barren, rocky land with little or no soil cover, often crossed by dry stream channels.
revetment	engineered facing of stone, wood, or other natural materials placed on the bank to protect the slope against wave action and currents.
conservative substances	Non- interacting substances, undergoing no kinetic reactions; chloride and sodium are approximate examples.
barcol hardness testing	the hardness value obtained by measuring the resistance to penetration of a spring loaded indenter steel point into the surface of the test material
wildlife refuge	An area designated for the protection of wild animals, within which hunting and fishing are either prohibited or strictly controlled.
distribution system	(Irrigation) (1) System of ditches and their appurtenances which convey irrigation water from the main canal to the farm units; diverse water from the main canal-side turnout to individual water users or to other smaller distribution systems
residential	pertaining to a place where people live, such as a neighborhood.
softened water	Any water that is treated to reduce hardness minerals to 1.0 gpg (17.1 mg/L) or less, expressed as calcium carbonate.
surge wave	A Translatory Wave in an open channel resulting from a sudden change in flow of water, such as that caused by opening or closing a gate.
eddy viscosity	a model parameter that reproduces the effects of turbulent mixing in fluid flow.
economies of scale	Reductions in the unit cost of the production of a commodity or delivery of a service resulting from production/delivery on an increasing scale.
biodegradability	the susceptibility of a substance to decomposition by microorganisms; specifically, the rate at which compounds may be chemically broken down by bacteria and/or natural environmental factors.
mineral	A term applied to inorganic substances, such as rocks and similar matter found in the earth's strata, as opposed to organic substances such as plant and animal matter
gravity flow	The downhill flow of water through a system of pipes, generated by the force of gravity.
grain per gallon	(gpg) A common basis for reporting water analyses in the United States and Canada; one grain per U.S
settling tank	A holding area for wastewater, where heavier particles sink to the bottom for removal and disposal.
riffle	Shallow rapids in an open stream, where the water surface is broken into waves by obstructions such as shoals or sandbars wholly or partly submerged beneath the water surface
catalyst	A substance that changes the speed or yield of a chemical reaction without being consumed or chemically changed by the chemical reaction.
greenhouse gases	Gases in Earth’s lower atmosphere (troposphere) that cause the greenhouse effect
effluent	The outlet or outflow of any system that deals with water flows, for an oxidation pond for biological water purification
air stripping	TheThe process of bubbling air through water to remove volatile organic compounds from the water
chrysophyte	Golden or yellow-green algae, algae of the division Chrysophyta.
debris	an accumulation of loose, predominantly coarse grained soil and rock fragments, and sometimes with large organic material such as limbs and trunks of trees, that have become mixed together in an unsorted fashion
porosity	a measure of the ratio of open space within a rock or soil to its total volume POTWs (Public Owned Treatment Works) - sewage treatment plants precipitation - water falling toward the Earth's surface in the form of rain, drizzle, hail, sleet, or snow pumping lift - distance water must be lifted in a well from the pumping level to the ground surface pumping plant - facility that lifts water up and over hills
xerophytic	A plant adapted to survive in an area with little available water or moisture.
transport	Conveyance of solutes and particles in flow systems.
water hammer	(1) Very rapid pressure wave in a conduit due to a sudden change in flow; the potentially damaging slam, bang, or shudder that occurs in a pipe when a sudden change in water velocity (usually as a result of too-rapidly starting a pump or operating a valve) creates a great change in water pressure
biological contaminants	Living organisms such as viruses, bacteria, fungi, and mammal and bird antigens that can cause harmful health effects to humans.
electrolysis	Process where electrical energy will change in chemical energy
activated carbon	A material produced by heating coal or wood in such a manner as to yield a porous structure, creating a very large internal surface area
cover	(1) Vegetation or other material providing protection to a surface
aerobic treatment	The process by which microbes decompose complex organic compounds in the presence of oxygen and use the liberated energy for reproduction and growth
acidity	A measure of how acid a solution may be
infiltration	The penetration of water through the ground surface into sub-surface soil or the penetration of water from the soil into sewer or other pipes through defective joints, connections, or manhole walls
demonstration project	A project designed to install or implement pollution control practices primarily for educational or promotional purposes.
steam injection well	A method of recovering deposits of oil and other minerals which involves injecting steam directly into the deposit to decrease viscosity and facilitate extraction
salts	minerals that cause salinity
pump	a device which moves, compresses, or alters the pressure of a fluid, such as water or air, being conveyed through a natural or artificial channel.
health risk assessment	A process which estimates the likelihood that people who could be exposed to chemicals may have health effects
attenuation	the process whereby the magnitude of a flood event is reduced by slowing, modifying, or diverting the flow of water.
saturated zone	a portion of the soil profile where all pores are filled with water
organic	Having the characteristics of or being derived from plant or animal matter, as opposed to inorganic matter derived from rocks and minerals
hydrocarbon standards	hydrocarbons have been divided into various series, differing in chemical properties and relationships
naturalized conditions	an estimate of natural conditions obtained by attempting to remove effects of human activities from a set of measured conditions.
cooling water load	The waste heat energy dissipated in the cooling water.
public awareness and education	Public Awareness and Education campaigns can take many shapes and forms
integrated mill	A pulp and paper mill which is self-contained as regards its fiber; i.e
contour	A line on a map that indicates a line of equal elevation on the land or water in feet over mean sea level
flow rate	The rate, expressed in gallons-or liters-per-hour, at which a fluid escapes from a hole or fissure in a tank
product	A general term used to describe the continuous phase, either liquid or air or gas, which is being processed through filtration or separation/filtration equipment.
turbidity	"The term ""turbid"" is applied to waters containing suspended matter that interferes with the passage of light through the water or in which visual depth is restricted."
deinked pulp	- Paper pulp produced by deinking of recovered paper
rcra	Resource Conservation and Recovery Act
allochthonous	Material introduced into rivers from terrestrial environments
water-soluble substance	a substance that can readily disperse through the environment.
residual chlorine	chlorine remaining in water or wastewater at the end of specified contact period as combined or free chlorine.
birm	The trade name for a manganese dioxide coated aluminum silicate used as an oxidizing catalyst filter medium for iron and manganese reduction.
sequester	A chemical reaction in which certain ions are bound into a stable, water soluble compound, thus preventing undesirable action by the ions
resilience	Refers to the ability of a community to return to its former state after some displacement.
erosion	The process of soil and nutrient loss, which leads to a decline in biological productivity
narghile	A water pipe that originated in the Near East.
sheet	(Geology) A broad, relatively thin deposit or layer of Igneous or Sedimentary Rock.
jominy hardenability testing	a laboratory procedure for determining the hardenability of a steel or other ferrous alloy
swamp	a type of wetland dominated by woody vegetation but without appreciable peat deposits
neotony	Retention of larval or embryonic characteristics past the time of reproductive maturity.
paramecium	A single-celled, microscopic aquatic organism with hairlike appendages (cilia) around its body used to move around and capture bacteria.
supervised classification	A procedure for identifying spectrally similar areas on an image by identifying "training" sites of known targets and then extrapolating those spectral signatures to other areas of unknown targets.
acid mine drainage	Acidic runoff from active and abandoned mines, especially coal mines (sulfuric acid)
central vacuum system	a network of tubing with inlets throughout the house designed to remove dust and debris to a remote receptacle
photolysis	The lysis of water to give oxygen and hydrogen under the influence of light
bank	the sloping land bordering a stream channel that forms the usual boundaries of a channel
fresh:salt water interface	the region where fresh water and salt water meet
radius of influence	The radial distance from the center of a well bore to the point where there is no lowering of the water table or Potentiometric Surface (the edge of its Cone of Depression).
gutter	(1) A channel at the edge of a street or road for carrying off surface water
flood insurance study	A document containing the results of an examination, evaluation, and determination of flood hazards and, if appropriate, corresponding water surface elevations, mudslides and erosion hazards.
delivery flexibility	The flexibility that water users have in requesting delivery changes and the ability of the canal system to accommodate the request.
ion exchange	The replacement of undesirable ions with a certain charge by desirable ions of the same charge in a solution, by an ion-permeable absorbent.
hydrologic cycle	Movement or exchange of water between the atmosphere and earth.
hydropneumatic system	A system utilizing both air and water in its operation, such as the pressure tank used with many well systems, which utilizes an air chamber to maintain pressure on the water when the pump is not operating.
scanning electron microscope	an electron microscope in which the image is formed by a beam operating in synchronism with an electron probe scanning the object
ecosphere	total of all the ecosystems on the planet, along with their interactions; the sphere of air, water, and land in which all life is found.
herbivore	An animal that consumes living plants or their parts.
open river channel	A navigation channel in a natural river with improvements limited to removal of obstructions and dredging to obtain adequate depths.
water management	The practice of limiting the amount of water used in activities such as animal waste flushing systems or milking operations in order to reduce the amount of runoff and, therefore, decrease the probability of polluting nearby surface water.
drip irrigation system	a network of pipes and valves that rest on the soil or underground and slowly deliver water to the root systems of plants
stress rupture test	a method of evaluating elevated-temperature durability in which a tension-test specimen is stressed under constant load until it breaks
secondary standards	Standards, sometimes called Secondary Maximum Contaminant Levels, address taste, odor, color, and other aesthetic aspects of drinking water that do not present health risks.
wire gauge	wire size, measured in diameter.
sara	San Antonio River Authority; SARA was created by the State of Texas to preserve, protect and manage the resources and environment to the San Antonio River and its tributaries
environmental assessment	The critical appraisal of the likely effects of a proposed project, activity, or policy on the environment, both positive and negative.
specific heat	the amount of heat required to raise the temperature of a kilogram of a substance (water) by 1 degree Celsius.
strategic planning for mswm	Planning process for the long-term, simultaneously meeting short-term needs, and flexible enough to react to changes that are anticipated to occur in the future
age	An approximation of the time between the water's penetration of the land surface at one location and its later presence at another location.
ph "power of hydrogen"	On the pH scale, a reading of 7 is neutral
enterotoxin	a toxin that is produced by microorganisms (as some staphylococci) and causes gastrointestinal symptoms (as in some forms of food poisoning or cholera).
evaporation	the change by which any substance is converted from a liquid state and carried of in vapor
conservation tillage	Any tillage and planting system that maintains at least 30% of the soil surface covered by residue after planting for the purpose of reducing soil erosion by water.
depletion	The amount of water that flows into a valley, or onto a particular land area, minus the water that flows out of the valley or off from the particular land area.
shear stress	The force per unit area tending to deform a material in the direction of flow
coastal zone	Coastal waters and adjacent lands that exert a measurable influence on the uses of the seas and their resources and biota.
ecotone	a transition zone between two distinct habitats that contains species from each area, as well as organisms unique to it.
batch operation	The utilization of ion exchange resins to treat a solution in a container wherein the removal of ions is accomplished by agitation of the solution and subsequent decanting of the treated liquid.
spoil	Soil or rock material excavated from a canal, ditch, basin, or similar construction.
co2	Carbon dioxide
hydrology	The science of waters of the earth, their occurrence, distribution, and circulation; their physical and chemical properties; and their reaction with the environment, including living beings.
aqueous solubility	The extent to which a compound will dissolve in water
fat	Any class of organic chemical compounds, usually mixtures of triglycerides or other lipids, that are solid at room temperature
baffle	A flat board or plate, deflector, guide, or similar device constructed or placed in flowing water or slurry systems to cause more uniform flow velocities to absorb energy and to divert, guide, or agitate liquids.
cation	An ion with a positive electrical charge, such as calcium, magnesium and sodium.
bioaccumulation	Increase in concentration of toxic fat-soluble chemicals in organisms at successively higher trophic levels of a grazing food chain or food web because of the consumption of organisms at lower trophic levels.
limestone	brittle, sedimentary rock that has many cracks which can fill with water
100-year flood	A flood so large, it has a 1% chance of occurring in any given year
alternating system	As in the pressure in the sewer system or the creation of a negative pressure in the water supply line
anadromous	Pertaining to fish that spend a part of their life cycle in the sea and return to freshwater streams to spawn.
base level	The lowest level to which a land surface can be reduced by the action of running water.
cation exchange	Ion exchange process in which cations in solution are exchanged for other cations from an ion exchanger.
echo sounder	A device for measuring the depth of water or the depth of an object below the surface by sending pressure waves down from the surface and recording the time until the echo returns from the bottom.
karst	A geologic formation of irregular limestone deposits with sinks, under ground streams, and caverns.
pathogen	An organism which may cause disease.
middle latitudes	The latitude belt roughly between 35 and 65 degrees North and South
evaporation	sublimation, vapourization, transpiration, evapotranspiration).
oxygen deficit	(Water Quality) The difference between observed oxygen concentration and the amount that would theoretically be present at 100 percent saturation for existing conditions of temperature and pressure.
karst	a type of topography that results from dissolution and collapse of carbonate rocks such as limestone, dolomite, and gypsum, and that is characterized by closed depressions or sinkholes, caves, and underground drainage.
ecotourism	Defined as tourism that is sustainable and environmentally and culturally sensitive, is a subset of nature-based tourism.
secondary drinking water regulations	Non-enforceable regulations applying to public water systems and specifying the maximum contamination levels that, in the judgement of the U.S
dws	Drinking Water Standards Federal primary drinking water standards, both proposed and final, as set forth by the EPA in 40 CFR § 141 and 40 CFR § 143.
unconfined aquifer	an aquifer whose upper surface is a water table free to fluctuate under atmospheric pressure.
evapotranspiration	The total amount of water that is transferred from the earth's surface to the atmosphere
estuary	Region of interaction between rivers and near-shore ocean waters, where tidal action and river flow mix fresh and salt water
toxic salt reduction	Decreasing harmful concentrations of toxic salts in soils, usually by leaching and with or without the addition of soil amendments.
total solids	The weight of all solids, dissolved and suspended, organic and inorganic, per unit volume of water; usually determined by the evaporation of a measured volume of water at 105 degrees Celsius in a pre-weighed dish.
microscale	The smallest scale of meteorological phenomena that range in size from a few centimeters to a few kilometers
pollen	Small particles produced by plants necessary for reproduction.
calcium carbonate equivalent	All forms of water hardness and other salts are commonly expressed in terms of calcium carbonate equivalents
social development	A process which results in the transformation of social structures in a manner which improves the capacity of the society to fulfill its aspirations.
soil air	Below-ground air in the pore spaces between soil particles
ohm	a unit of electrical resistance equal to that of a conductor in which a current of one ampere is produced by a potential of one volt across its terminals.
peer review	PICs
periphyton	An assemblage of microorganisms (plants and animals) firmly attached to and growing upon solid surfaces, such as the bottom of a stream, rocks, logs, pilings, and other structures.
langelier saturation index	an index reflecting the equilibrium pH of a water with respect to calcium and alkalinity; used in stabilizing water to control both corrosion and scale deposition.
subsurface drainage	(1) The process of directing excess water away from the root zones of plants by natural or artificial means, such as by using a system of pipes and drains placed below ground surface level
water conservation	Reduction in applied water due to more efficient water use such as implementation of Urban Best Management Practices or Agricultural Efficient Water Management Practices
fracture	Crack or linear break in a rock formation.
parts per million	the number of parts of a given substance in a million parts of some other substance
cutoff	where the stream cuts through the neck of a meander bend.
irrigation water use	Artificial application of water on lands to assist in the growing of crops and pastures or to maintain vegetative growth on recreational lands, such as parks and golf courses.
dehumidification	Step of reducing the humidity of the biogas by condensation of part of the water present
atomic mass unit	a unit of mass equal to 1/12 the mass of the carbon isotope with mass number 12, approximately 1.6604 x 10E-24 gram.
national economic development	One of the two main objectives of planning for water and related land resources by governmental agencies whose activities involve planning and development of water resources
diatom	Any of the microscopic unicellular or colonial algae constituting the class Bacillarieae
persistence	Refers to the length of time a compound stays in the environment, once introduced.
cooling tower	large tower used to transfer the heat in cooling water from a power or industrial plant to the atmosphere either by direct evaporation or by convection and conduction.
radio-nuclides	A radioactive isotope of an element.
headwater	Referring to the source of a stream or river.
storm sewer	A sewer that carries only surface runoff, street wash, and snow melt from the land
snowcaps	the snow at the top of a mountain
denizen	(Ecology) An animal or a plant naturalized in a region.
impervious surface	A constructed hard surface that cannot be penetrated by water, which causes water to run off in greater quantities
parts per trillion	The concentration of a substance in air, water or soil
total trihalomethanes	(Water Quality) The sum of the concentrations of individual members of a family of halogenated derivatives of methane in drinking water
phase inversion	Precipitation from a polymer phase from a solution. This is the process commonly used to make microporous membranes.
contract rate	The repayment or water service rate set forth in a contract to be paid by a district to the federal government.
histosols	Organic soils.
sérac	A large pointed mass of ice in a glacier isolated by intersecting crevasses.
habitat indicator	a physical attribute of the environment measured to characterize conditions necessary to support an organism, population, or community in the absence of pollutants
leave area	the area of land and vegetation adjacent to an aquatic area that is to remain in an undisturbed state, throughout and after works.
fen	a type of wetland that accumulates peat deposits, but not as much as a bog
subsidence	sinking down of part of the earth's crust due to underground excavation, such as removal groundwater.
hydathode	(Botany) A water-excreting microscopic epidermal structure in many plants.
cyclone	Density
clinometer	An instrument used to measure angles of inclination
inland freshwater wetlands	Swamps, marshes, and bogs found inland beyond the coastal saltwater wetlands.
critical dry year	A dry year in which the full commitments for a dependable water supply cannot be met and deficiencies are imposed on water deliveries.
reservoir	bay or other system, based upon flow rates into and out of the system, (see residence time).
critical shear stress	The minimum amount of shear stress exerted by stream currents required to initiate soil particle motion
holotype	The specimen of an animal (or plant) which is designated in the publication when the organism is named, as representing what is meant by the new name
modularity	A property of a system such that it can be broken down into discrete subparts that perform specific tasks independently of the other subparts.
flash flood	A flood that rises and falls quite rapidly with little or no advance warning, usually as the result of intense rainfall over a relatively small area
deep well	A well whose pumping head is too great to permit use of a suction pump.
cooling tower	A large tower or stack that is used for heat exchange of once-through cooling water generated by steam condensers
salt-water intrusion	The invasion of a body of fresh water by a body of salt water, due to its greater density
polytetrafluoroethylene	The chemical name for Teflon. Also called PTFE.
intermittent stream	a watercourse that does not flow continuously, or flows during spring and summer only Inuit-Owned Land (IOL)
wave	See Water Alliances for Voluntary Efficiency.
supralittoral zone	That portion of the seashore adjacent to the tidal or spray zone
geyser	a periodic thermal spring that results from the expansive force of super heated steam.
key habitats	flow-sensitive habitats as well as habitats that support key species.
mean discharge	The arithmetic mean of individual daily mean discharges of a stream during a specific period, usually daily, monthly, or annually.
critical control points	when assessing the potential hazards associated with all stages of the food manufacturing process, that stage of the process that needs to be controlled to assure safety (or product stability).
bed material	The sediment mixture of which a streambed, lake, pond, reservoir, or estuary bottom is composed.
normality	a measure of solution concentration expressed in equivalent weights of solute per liter of solution.
inflow	entry of rainwater into a sewer system from sources other than infiltration, such as basement drains, manholes, storm drains, and street washing.
flood abatement	See Flood Control.
prescribed burning	The practice of using controlled fires to reduce or eliminate the unincorporated organic matter of the forest floor, or low, undesirable vegetation.
grab sample	a sample taken at a given place and time
hypo chlorite	An anion that forms products such as calcium and sodium hypo chlorite
flood plain	A strip of relatively flat land bordering a stream channel that is inundated at times of high water.
mirage	An optical phenomenon that creates the illusion of water, often with inverted reflections of distant objects, and results from distortion of light by alternate layers of hot and cool air
ppb	The abbreviation for "parts per billion".
puddling	The compaction of wet material, such as clay, in order to make a watertight paste.
non-selective pesticide	a product that kills or controls a wide range of organisms or related organisms; e.g., a non-selective herbicide is one that would kill many types of plants.
mgd	Million gallons per day
gram-milliequivalent	The equivalent weight of a substance in grams, divided by one thousand.
riparian	A general classification of habitat along streams, ponds and lakes or any water courses.
tracking	Documenting or recording the location and timing of BMP implementation.
r-selected	keystone species: A dominant species in a community, usually a predator, with an influence on structure and function that is highly disproportionate to its biomass.
base	A substance which dissociates (separates) in aqueous solution to yield hydroxyl ions, or one containing hydroxyl ions (OH-) which reacts with an acid to form a salt or which may react with metal to form a precipitate.
spring	(1) A concentrated discharge of ground water coming out at the surface as flowing water; a place where the water table crops out at the surface of the ground and where water flows out more or less continuously
drop structure	A structure specifically designed to carry wastewater from a higher elevation to a lower elevation.
gaging station	A particular site in a stream, lake, reservoir, etc., where hydrologic data are obtained.
everglade	A tract of marshland, usually under water and covered in places with tall grass
feasability study	Peliminary studies in order to determine de feasability of a projet
private sector	The part of economy in which economic activity is carried out by private enterprise as distinct from the public sector.
venturi tube	A closed conduit that gradually contracts to a throat, causing a pressure head by which the velocity through the throat may be determined.
coagulation	The process in which very small, finely divided solid particles, often colloidal in nature, are agglomerated into larger particles.
ionization	The dissociation of molecules into simpler, electronically charged particles
weir basin	(Irrigation) The wide, basinlike approach to the upstream side of a weir, being constructed so as to reduce to a minimum the effect of the momentum of the approaching water on the flow over the weir.
threshold	A very low concentration of a substance in water
photolysis	Chemical reaction with light.
suspended sediment	Eroded sediments held in suspension in water.
right bank	The right-hand side of a stream, river, or channel when facing in the direction of the flow.
braiding	Successive division and rejoining of riverflow with accompanying islands.
differential pressure	The difference in pressures at two points in a water system; may be due to differences in elevation, or to friction losses or pressure drops due to resistance to flow in pipes, softeners, filters or other devices.
perennial stream	a stream that normally has water in its channel at all times.
clarification	Clearing action that occurs during wastewater treatment when solids settle out
humidification	The addition of water vapour to air.
sediment	Material transported by water from the place of origin to the place of deposition
evapo-transpiration	The process by which water in the soil matrix is both transpired through the roots and foliage of vegetation and evaporated from exposed (soil) surfaces.
conveyance loss	Water loss in pipes and channels by leakage or evaporation.
parshall flume	A device used to measure the flow of water in an open channel.
swale	Small depressions, natural or artificial, that carry water only after a rainfall.
wash load	In a stream system, the relatively fine material in near-permanent suspension which is transported entirely through the system without deposition.
base level	The elevation to which a stream-channel profile has developed.
available chlorine	A measure of the amount of chlorine available in chlorinated lime, hypochlorite compounds, and other materials.
endpoint	The point at which a process is stopped because a predetermined value of a measurable variable is reached; the endpoint of an ion exchanger water softener service run is the point at which the hardness of the softener effluent increases to a predefined concentration, often 1.0 grain per gallon; the endpoint of a filter service run may be the point at which the pressure drop across the filter reaches a predetermined value; the endpoint of a titration is the point at which the titrant produces a predetermined color change, pH value, or other measurable characteristic.
wildlife tree	A live tree retained to become future snag habitat.
bioengineering	the use of living plant materials to perform an engineering function, usually to enhance soil stability (e.g., willow planting, brush layering or transplanted trees).
osmosis	A process of diffusion of a solvent such as water through a semi-permeable membrane which will transmit the solvent but impede most dissolved substances
arroyo	a small, deep, flat-floored channel or gully of an ephemeral or intermittent stream, usually with nearly vertical banks cut into unconsolidated material-term commonly used in the arid and semiarid regions of the Southwestern United States.
governance indicators	A set of indicators used to measure the performance of a country or organization with respect to its adherence to the principles of good governance – Voice and Accountability; Political Stability and the Absence of Violence; Government Effectiveness; Regulatory Quality; Rule of Law; and Control of Corruption.
profundal zone	The deep, bottom-water area beyond the depth of effective light penetration
screening tests	determination of the relative percentages of substances, as in the suspended solids of a drilling fluid, passing through or retained on a sequence of screens of decreasing mesh size
vapor	The gaseous state of a substance which under ordinary conditions exists as a liquid or solid.
flow augmentation	the addition of water to meet flow needs.
alpha particle	A positively charged particle emitted from the nucleus of an atom having the same charge and mass as that of a helium-4 (4He) nucleus (two protons and two neutrons).
dereliction	(Legal) (1) A gaining of land by the permanent recession of the water line
game fish	Those species of fish considered to possess sporting qualities on fishing tackle, such as salmon, trout, black bass, striped bass, etc.; usually more sensitive to environmental changes than Rough Fish.
base flow	the sustained low flow of a stream, usually ground-water inflow to the stream channel.
pleated	Describes a physical form of a cartridge made into a convoluted form to resemble the folds in an accordion.
tarsal spur	A spur found on the back of the rear feet on male Veiled chameleons for use in breeding.
antarctic	Of or relating to the area around the geographic South Pole, from 90° South to the Antarctic Circle at approximately 66 1/2°South latitude, including the continent of Antarctica
colorimetric testing	an optical instrument to determine the color of oils by comparison with standard colored fluids in bottles or with standard colored discs; may be done electronically with a spectrometer.
gallons per capita	A term used relative to water use per person per specified time, usually a day.
efficiency	The effectiveness of the operational performance of an ion exchanger
biomonitoring	a test used to evaluate the relative potency of a chemical by comparing its effect on a living organism with the effect of a standard population on the same type of organism.
preliminary engineering	Preliminary engineering and cost estimates for a project
sausage dam	A dam composed of loose rock that has been wrapped with wire into cylindrical bundles and laid in a horizontal or vertical position.
gulf	A portion of an ocean or sea extending into the land; a partially landlocked sea, usually larger than a bay.
moisture content	the amount of water lost from soil upon drying to a constant weight, expressed as the weight per unit of dry soil or as the volume of water per unit bulk volume of the soil.
regeneration	The process of returning the sodium ions to the mineral after it has exchanged all its sodium ions for calcium and magnesium from hard water
moisture equivalent	The ratio of: (1) the weight of water which the soil, after saturation, will retain against a centrifugal force 1,000 times the force of gravity, to (2) the weight of the soil when dry
endangered	a species faced with the danger of extinction
debris dam	A barrier built across a stream channel to retain rock, sand, gravel, silt, or other material.
field testing	a nonformal experiment, that is, one with fewer controls than a laboratory experiment; conducted under field conditions.
alternating current	current that reverses its direction at regular intervals, such as a common 115 volt circuit.
bank-full width	the width of a river or stream channel between the highest banks on either side of a stream.
temporary wetland	A type of Wetland in which water is present for only part of the year, usually during the wet or rainy seasons (e.g., spring)
sediment oxygen demand	The amount of dissolved oxygen removed from the water covering the sediment in a lake or stream because of microbial activity.
trace	The amount of rainfall or other form of precipitation which occurs when the quantity is so small that it cannot be measured in the rain gage.
knoop hardness	microhardness determined from the resistance of metal to indentation by a pyramidal diamond indenter, having edge angles of 172 degrees, 30’ and 130 degrees, making a rhombohedral impression with one long and one short diagonal.
turing instability	A mathematical condition in reaction–diffusion systems in which differences in the diffusion of activating and inhibiting morphogenic molecules result in pattern formation; particular patterns form when inhibitors diffuse faster than autoactivators.
inch-degrees	The product of inches of rainfall times temperature in degrees above freezing (Fahrenheit), used as a measure of the snowmelting capacity of rainfall.
buran	A violent windstorm of the Eurasian steppes, accompanied in summer by dust and in winter by snow.
open canopy	(Botany) Forest trees which are so scattered that there are frequent openings between tree crowns in the canopy.
wetting agent	A chemical that reduces the surface tension of water and enables it to soak into porous material more readily.
condensation	water vapor that is forming droplets
bioconversion	The conversion of organic materials, such as plant or animal waste, into usable products or energy sources by biological processes or agents, such as certain microorganisms.
pcbs	A group of toxic, persistent chemicals used in transformers for insulating purposes, in gas pipeline systems as a lubricant, and in some florescent light ballasts
hardness	A characteristic of natural water due to the presence of dissolved calcium and magnesium; water hardness is responsible for most scale formation in pipes and water heaters and forms insoluble "curd" when it reacts with soaps
mussel	a marine or freshwater species with an elongated shell; common name frequently used to refer to freshwater mussels
municipal wastewater facility	Refers to those facilities that receive or dispose of wastewater derived principally from residential dwellings, business or commercial buildings, institutions, and the like
ebit	(Earnings Before Interest and Tax) EBIT, an intermediate balance in a company's income statement, is operating income before restructuring costs and goodwill amortization
contaminant	anything present in the environment that could be harmful to human health (including microorganisms, minerals, chemicals).
reclamation	bringing land that has been disturbed by some process back to its original condition.
off-site impacts	consequences of an action or decision that occur beyond the area (e.g
npdes	National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System
tree/plant preservation plan	a scheme that seeks to preserve existing plants on a project site.
septic tank absorption field	A soil absorption system for sewage disposal, consisting of a subsurface tile system laid in such a way that effluent from the septic tank is distributed with reasonable uniformity into the natural soil.
participation rate	A measure of the number of people participating in a recycling programme compared to the total number that could be participating.
dry proofing	A flood-proofing method used to design and construct buildings so as to prevent the entrance of floodwaters.
complexing	the use of chelating or sequestering agents to form relatively loose chemical bonding as a means of treating certain pollutants such as nickel, copper, and cobalt.
mass movement	(Geology) The downslope movement of a portion of the land's surface (i.e., a single landslide or the gradual downhill movement of the whole mass of loose earth material) on a slope face
gooseneck	A portion of a water service connection between the distribution system water main and a meter
stream bank	the portion of the channel cross section that restricts lateral movement of water at normal water levels
biodegradable	Capable of decomposing rapidly by microorganisms under natural conditions (aerobic and/or anaerobic)
swamp	wetland dominated by shrubs and trees
swash	(1a) A splash of water or other liquid hitting a solid surface; (1b) The sound made by such a splash
backwater curve	The longitudinal profile of the water surface in an open channel where the water surface is raised above its normal level by a natural or artificial obstruction
void volume	The volume of the spaces between particles of ion exchanger, filter media, or other granular material; often expressed as a percentage of the total volume occupied by the material.
unconsolidated deposits	Sediment not cemented together; may consist of sand, silt, clay, and organic material.
carnivorous	Of animals, meat eating
live stake	Live branch cuttings that are tamped or inserted into the earth to take root and produce vegetative growth.
meander	The turn of a stream, either live or cut off
acutely hazardous waste	A subset of listed hazardous wastes that carry the "H" code; they are considered very harmful to human health and the environment.
deposit	Something dropped or left behind by moving water, as sand or mud.
anaerobic	a life or process that occurs in, or is not destroyed by, the absence of oxygen.
estuary	A coastal body of water that is semi-enclosed, openly connected with the ocean, and mixes with freshwater drainage from land.
solid	thick or heavy
fissure	A surface of a fracture or crack in a rock along which there is a distinct separation.
subcaudal scales	These are the scales underneath the snake's tail
hydromechanics	The branch of physics having to do with the laws governing the motion and equilibrium of fluids.
displacement	weight of fluid, estimated or actual, that is pushed aside by a body immersed or floating in the fluid.
rill erosion	Removal of soil by running water with formation of shallow channels that can be smoothed out completely by normal tillage.
pressure tendency	The pressure characteristic and amount of pressure change during a specified time period, usually the three hour period preceding the observation.
dry wash	A defined drainage channel in arid regions that is dry except following a major storm or heavy spring snowmelt.
reuse	Use of recycled water
base flow	The sustained portion of stream discharge that is drawn from natural storage sources, and not affected by human activity or regulation.
ep tox test	Fan
connate water	Water that was trapped in the interstices of a sedimentary or extrusive igneous rock at the time of its deposition
qualitative research	the determination of unknown constituents of a substance
brackish	Describing water that is slightly salty; water whose salinity is between that of normal fresh water and normal sea water.
vichy water	(1) A naturally effervescent mineral water originally from the springs at Vichy, France
celsius	C= 5/9 (F - 32).
drainage basin	Part of the surface of the earth that is occupied by a drainage system, which consists of a surface stream or a body of impounded surface water together with all tributary surface streams and bodies of impounded surface water
obligate aerobes	Organisms that require the presence of molecular oxygen ([O(2)] for their metabolism.
cullet	Clean, generally colour-sorted, crushed glass used to make new glass products
reservoir surface	The surface of a reservoir at any level.
interflow	(1) That movement of water of a given density in a reservoir or lake between layers of water of different density, usually caused by the inflow of water either at a different temperature, or with different silt or salt contents
ion	An atom or group of atoms which function as a unit, and have a positive (cation) or negative (anion) electrical charge, due to the gain or loss of one or more electrons
sheetflow area	Designated Flood Zones AO and AH on a community's Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM) with a one percent or greater annual chance of flooding to an average depth of one to three feet where a clearly defined channel does not exist, where the path of flooding is unpredictable and where velocity flow may be evident
moisture stress	A condition of physiological stress in a plant caused by lack of water.
cholophyte	Green algae, algae of the division Chlorophyta.
closed-basin lake	A lake which has no outlet, from which water escapes only by evaporation.
international ngo	An organisation that has an international headquarters and branches in major world regions, often with the purpose of undertaking development assistance.
terrigenous	Derived from or originating on the land (usually referring to sediments) as opposed to material or sediments produced in the ocean (marine) or as a result of biologic activity (biogenous).
site plan review	Site Plan Review is a regulatory process in which the City seeks to ensure that land being developed for commercial, industrial, or residential use is developed, or redeveloped, and operated in a way that complies with City codes and is compatible with the surrounding community.
biofouling	The gradual accumulation of waterborne organisms (as bacteria and protozoa) on the surfaces of engineering structures in water that contributes to corrosion of the structures and to a decrease in the efficiency of moving parts.
overland flow	the flow of rainwater or snowmelt over the land surface toward stream channels.
red water	Water which has a reddish or brownish appearance due to the presence of precipitated iron and/or iron bacteria.
salt-water marsh	Low, flat marshlands subject to inundation by salt waters; may be tidal or non-tidal; normally the only vegetation present is salt-tolerant bushes and grasses
electron	the sub-atomic particle, with a negative charge, that orbits the nucleus of an atom.
runoff	Water that flows over the ground and reaches a stream as a result of rainfall or snowmelt.
cloud	A visible collection of minute particle matter, such as water droplets and/or ice crystals, in the free air
overhead irrigation	A pressurized irrigation system where water is distributed through pipes to the field and applied through a variety of sprinkler heads or nozzles
saurophagous	Said of an animal that eats lizards.
cofferdam	a watertight enclosure built in a shallow river or creek, which is pumped dry to allow construction activities in isolation of flowing water.
crest gate	A temporary or movable gate installed on top of a spillway crest to provide additional storage or prevent flow over the crest.
kettle	a steep-sided hole or depression, commonly without surface drainage, formed by the melting of a large detached block of stagnant ice that had been buried in the glacial drift.
estuarine zone	The area near the coastline that consists of estuaries and coastal saltwater wetlands.
national wilderness preservation system	All lands covered by the Wilderness Act of 1964 and subsequent wilderness designations, irrespective of the department or agency having jurisdiction.
substrate	soil on the river's bottom
channelization	natural or intentional straightening and/or deepening of streams so water moves faster and causes less flooding. Channelization can sometimes exacerbate flooding in other downstream areas.
microorganisms	an organism of microscopic or ultramicroscopic size.
sloughing	The downward slipping of a mass of soil, moving as a unit usually with backward rotation, down a bank
control sample	a material of known composition that is analyzed along with test samples in order to evaluate the accuracy of an analytical procedure.
gravimetric	Measurement of matter on the basis of weight.
mesoscale convective system	A large organized convective weather system comprised of a number of individual thunderstorms
redox	Shortened term for reduction/ oxidation reactions
drifts	Normally used when referring to snow or sand particles are deposited behind obstacles or irregularities of the surface or driven into piles by the wind.
food web	An interlocking pattern of food chains.
volcanic rock aquifer	An aquifer composed of rock that originated from a volcano, such as basalt
melt flow index	a measurement of the isothermal resistance to flow using an apparatus and test method that are standard throughout the world
hydrologic cycle	natural pathway water follows as it changes between liquid, solid, and gaseous states; biogeochemical cycle that moves and recycles water in various forms through the ecosphere
swamp	A term frequently associated with Wetlands
natural levee	a long, broad, low ridge built by a stream on its flood plain along one or both banks of its channel in time of flood.
nephelometric	method of measuring turbidity in a water sample by passing light through the sample and measuring the amount of light deflected.
ocean	lake, or other body of water into which light can penetrate, also known as the zone of photosynthesis.
headrace	A channel that carries water to a water wheel or turbine; a forebay.
preservative	A chemical added to a water sample to keep it stable and prevent compounds in it from changing to other forms or to prevent microorganism densities from changing prior to analysis.
alvusion	a sudden or perceptible change in a river's margin, such as a change in course or loss of banks due to flooding.
camouflage	Strategy that an organism uses to hide or blend in with its environment.
precipitation process	The altering of dissolved compounds to insoluble or badly soluble compounds, in order to be able to remove the compounds by means of filtration.
milligram per liter	(mg/l) A unit concentration of matter used in reporting the results of water and wastewater analyses
assay	a test for a specific chemical, microbe, or effect.
vibrio spp.	gram-negative rod-shaped bacteria (family Vibrionaceae); some species in this genus cause cholera in humans and other diseases in animals.
frazil	A French-Canadian term for the fine spicular ice, derived from the French words for cinders which this variety of ice most resembles
instream cover	overhanging or instream structure, such as tree roots, undercut streambanks, boulders, or aquatic vegetation that offer protection for aquatic organisms.
recorder	a device that makes a graph or other automatic record of the stage, pressure, depth, velocity, or the movement or position of water controlling devices, usually as a function of time.
ultraviolet light	Radiation having a wave length shorter than 4000 angstroms (visible light) down to 100 angstroms on the border of the x-ray region
standard atmosphere	A standard atmosphere has been defined by the International Civil Aeronautical Organization (ICAO)
dissolved gas concentrations	The amount of chemicals normally occurring as gases, such as nitrogen and oxygen, that are held in solution in water, expressed in units such as milligrams of the gas per liter of liquid
hermaphrodite	an animal or plant having both male and female reproductive organs
surface water	An open body of water such as a lake, river, or stream.
atom	The smallest unit of matter that is unique to a particular element
kilowatt	The electrical unit of power which equals 1,000 watts or 1.341 horsepower
osmotroph	An organism that obtains nutrients through the active uptake of soluble materials across the cell membrane
axis	The horizontal centerline of a dam in the longitudinal direction.
prop scour	the erosive action of water, resulting from the action of a boat propeller, that removes and carries away material from the bed and banks of a waterbody
concern	This is a stated actual or perceived problem, raised by an individual or stakeholder
fabric filters	FeedBack
extensible	Can be extended
filling	Depositing dirt, mud or other materials into aquatic areas to create more dry land, usually for agricultural or commercial development purposes, and frequently with ruinous ecological consequences
water-related disaster	A cyclic event involving water during which there is threat to or loss of human life or property (e.g., flood, hurricane, tsunami, etc.).
coefficient of storage	The volume of water an aquifer releases from or takes into storage per unit surface area of the aquifer per unit change in head.
over-exploitation	Exploitation to the point of diminishing returns
allogenic succession	Predictable changes in plant and animal communities in which changes are caused by events external to the community, for example, fire, drought, floods, etc.
suction lift	(Irrigation) The difference in elevation between the water source and the pump.
tear strength	measurement of resistance of pulp fibers to a tearing force.
cell	A waterproof pit containing subcells into which waste is deposited in a landfill
rain shadow	a dry region on the lee side of a topographic obstacle, usually a mountain range, where rainfall is noticeably less than on the windward side.
bell	A hollow, usually inverted vessel, such as one used for diving deep below the surface of a body of water.
boundary conditions	definition or statement of conditions or phenomena at the boundaries of a model; water levels, flows, and concentrations that are specified at the boundaries of the area being modeled.
woody debris	sound and rotting logs and stumps that provide cover for small animals and their predators (both fish and wildlife)
methylene blue	A basic aniline dye, C16H18N3SCl Â· 3H2O, that forms a deep blue solution when dissolved in water
ephemeral	Stream which flows only in direct response to precipitation or to the flow of an intermittent spring.
alkaline substance	Chemical compounds in which the basic hydroxide (OH-) ion is united with a metallic ion, such as sodium hydroxide (NaOH) or potassium hydroxide (KOH)
humidity	A general term used to describe the amount of water vapor found in the atmosphere.
tensile strength	the maximum conventional stress that a material can withstand.
turbellaria	Free-living flatworms.
hydroelectric plant	A hydroelectric power plant which generates electric power during peak load periods by using water pumped into a storage reservoir during off-peak periods.
kinetic insulation	A mechanism in which a signal is transduced through a particular pathway based on the temporal profile of the signal; for example, a transient signal can be interpreted by the cell as using one particular pathway, whereas a slowly varying signal can be interpreted as using a different pathway.
permanent stream	a stream that typically contains surface waters or flows for periods more than six months in duration
leached layer	A soil layer or an entire soil profile from which the soluble materials (CaCO3 and MgCO3 and material more soluble) have been dissolved and washed away by percolating waters.
joule	carbon credits: Actions that help reduce the atmospheric concentration of CO2, such as fossil-fuel conservation and planting trees.
cohesion	a molecular attraction by which the particles of a body are united throughout the mass whether like or unlike
aeration zone	The zone between the land surface and the water table which characteristically contains liquid water under less than atmospheric pressure and water vapor and air or other gases at atmospheric pressure
riffle	A shallow part of the stream where water flows swiftly over completely or partially submerged obstructions to produce surface agitation.
aquiclude	A formation which, although porous and capable of absorbing water slowly, will not transmit water fast enough to furnish an appreciable supply for a well or spring
leakage	(1) (Hydrology) The flow of water from one Hydrogeologic Unit to another
temper	to reheat hardened steel or hardened cast iron to some temperature below the eutectoid (a reversible reaction in which a solid solution is converted into two or more intimately mixed solids on cooling, the number of solids formed being the same as the components in the system) temperature for the purpose of decreasing hardness and increasing toughness.
cryptodepression	Lake basin whose deep parts are below sea level.
riparian land	Land situated along the bank of a stream or other, generally flowing bodies of water.
iron bacteria	Organisms which are capable of utilizing ferrous iron (either from the water or from steel pipe) in their metabolism and precipitating both ferric hydroxide in their sheaths and gelatinous deposits
habitat	The place where a population (e.g
graywater	Waste water from a household or small commercial establishment which specifically excludes water from a toilet, kitchen sink, dishwasher, or water used for washing diapers
blowing spray	Salt spray that is raised by the wind to heights of six feet or greater
critical wildlife habitat	Habitat that is vital to the health and maintenance of one or a variety of species based on habitat features such as nesting sites, denning sites, food sources, breeding grounds, etc.
aquaculture	farming of plants and animals that live in water.
capillary phenomena	A phenomenon of water movement caused by Capillarity.
contour	An imaginary line on the surface of the earth connecting points of the same elevation
wet	Consisting of, containing, covered with, or soaked with, water or other liquid; soaked with moisture; having water or other liquid upon the surface.
sv	sievert The SI (International System of Units) unit of dose equivalent; 1 Sv = 100 Rem.
chemosynthesis	The synthesis of carbohydrate from carbon dioxide and water using energy obtained from the chemical oxidation of simple inorganic compounds
softening	The removal of calcium and magnesium from water to reduce hardness.
cng	Compressed natural gas
particle counts	techniques by means of which bulk measurements of the grain sizes of the constituent particles of a sediment sample are made
sample size	the number of units in a sample.
rectangular mesh	Wire cloth with a different mesh count in the fill than in the warp. Sometimes called “oblong mesh” or, in the case of finer meshes, “off-count”.
method blank	Laboratory grade water taken through the entire analytical procedure to determine if samples are being accidentally contaminated by chemicals in the lab.
health and safety plan	A plan included in investigation or cleanup work plans which outlines protective measures for site workers and the community during investigation or cleanup activities.
artesian aquifer	a geologic formation in which water is under sufficient hydrostatic pressure to rise above the top of the aquifer in the subsurface
water impoundment	A body of water created or stored by impoundment structures such as dams, dikes, and levees.
aesthetics	aquatic life and wildlife, (see contact recreation, non-contact recreation).
fdc	A plot that shows the percentage of time that flow in a stream is likely to equal or exceed some specified value of interest.
silt fence	a synthetic barrier erected to restrict the movement of unconsolidated material from a disturbed area to any sensitive areas
clay	soil which consists of illite, kaolin, micas, vermiculite, and other mineral particles; clay particles are small and the spaces between them are small; clay soils absorb water slowly but can hold water for longer than a sandy soil.
evapotranspiration	water withdrawn from soil by evaporation and/or plant transpiration
flue gas scrubber	A type of equipment that removes fly ash and other objectionable materials from flue gas by the use of sprays, wet baffles, or other means that require water as the primary separation mechanism
o-rings	a product of precise dimensions molded in one piece to the configuration of a torus with a circular cross section, suitable for use in a machined groove for static or dynamic service.
benthos	All plants and animals living on or closely associated with the bottom of a body of water.
dominant	A gene that causes an animal to look different than the wild-type and where the homozygous form and the heterozygous form look the same as each other.
equivalent weight	The weight in grams of an element, compound, or ion which would react with or replace 1 gram of hydrogen; the molecular weight in grams divided by the valence.
standard surface pressure	The measurement of one atmosphere of pressure under standard conditions
vegetated filter strip	broad vegetated areas that promote even sheet flow over a sloped vegetated ground surface, where swales are flow conveyance channels, and vegetated surface ranges from turf to forest
packaging	The assembly of one or more containers and any other components necessary to assure minimum compliance with a programme's storage and shipment packaging requirements
hwm	High Water Mark
commercial frontage	Riparian lands zoned for commercial use.
sustainable	An ecosystem condition in which biodiversity, renewability, and resource productivity are maintained over time.
manning's roughness	a coefficient in Manning's equation that accounts for energy loss due to the friction between the channel and the water
duff	A spongy layer of decaying leaves, branches, and other organic materials covering the forest floor.
water surface elevation	the elevation of a water surface above or below an established reference level, such as sea level.
test liner	- linerboard made from recycled fibers
hydrosphere	region that includes all the earth's liquid water, frozen water, floating ice, frozen upper layer of soil, and the small amounts of water vapor in the Earth's atmosphere.
semi-chemical pulp	Pulp produced in a two-stage process which involves the partial digestion of the wood with chemicals, followed by mechanical separation of the fibers in a disc refiner
hydropneumatic	a water delivery system, usually small, that maintains water pressure in the distribution system by means of pressure in a compressed air tank.
cold-water	Lacking modern plumbing or heating facilities, as a cold-water residence.
fertigation	The use of irrigation water as a vehicle for spreading fertilizer on the land.
compensation point	The point under water at which plant photosynthesis just equals plant respiration
pond	a still body of water smaller than a lake where mixing of nutrients and water occurs primarily through the action of wind (as opposed to turnover).
most probable number	The term used to indicate the number of organisms which, according to statistical theory, would be most likely to produce the results observed in certain bacteriological tests; usually expressed as a number in 100 ml of water.
frac-out	the escape of drilling mud (from the horizontally directionally drilled [HDD] borehole to the ground surface, other than at the borehole entry or exit points) into the environment as a result of a spill, tunnel collapse or the rupture of mud to the surface.
shigella spp.	bacillary dysentery is caused by certain nonmotile bacteria of the genus Shigella
sludge digestion	The biological decomposition of solids collected during the operation of a facility designed to remove organic wastes from domestic or industrial sources
sheet erosion	the removal of a fairly uniform layer of soil from the land surface by raindrop splash and/or runoff (see rill erosion, gully erosion)
ffou	Federal Facilities Oversight Unit
siberian express	A fierce, cold flow of air that originates in Siberia, then moves into Alaska and northern Canada before moving southward into the United States.
vulnerability indicators	Indicators used to assess vulnerability.
organic waste	Residual waste of plant or animal origin that can be broken down by microorganisms, which use it as a source of food.
cost effectiveness analysis	Involves the identification and consistent evaluation of all costs, allowance for their phasing over time, and the application of decision criteria to rank and select between project options
dehydration	(1) The process of removing water from a substance or compound
aqueduct	a pipe, conduit, channel or canal used to transport water, generally by gravity.
heavy end component composition	the heavier fractions of refined oil – fuel oils, lubes, paraffin and asphalt – remaining after the lighter fractions have been distilled off.
evapotranspiration	combination of evaporation and transpiration of water into the atmosphere from living plants and soil
cooling tower	Large tower used to transfer the heat in cooling water from a power or industrial plant to the atmosphere either by direct evaporation or by convection and conduction.
best management practice	Conservation measures intended to minimize or mitigate impacts from a variety of land-use activities.
lubricants	any substance used to reduce friction between two surfaces in contact.
btex analysis	see Benzene, Toluene, Ehtylbenzene and xylene analysis.
nutrient	as a pollutant, any element or compound, such as phosphorous or nitrogen, that fuels abnormally high organic growth in aquatic ecosystems
barrier	A physical block or impediment to the movement or migration of fish, such as a waterfall (natural barrier) or a dam (man-made barrier).
wetland	the land area alongside fresh and salt waters, that is flooded all or part of the time; marine and estuarine wetlands include tidal basins, saltmarshes and mangroves
soil moisture	Water diffused in the upper part of the Unsaturated Zone (Zone of Aeration) of the soil, from which water is discharged by the Transpiration of plants, by Evaporation, or Interflow.
noncontact recreation	recreational pursuits not involving a significant risk of water ingestion, including fishing, commercial and recreational boating, and limited body contact incidental to shoreline activity
hydro static pressure	A measurement of structural strength and ability to hold water pressure
contour flooding	Irrigation method resulting in flooding fields from Contour Ditches.
bedrock	solid rock underlying soil, gravel or loose boulders; the Canadian Shield is composed of bedrock Best Management Practices
slack tide	See Slack Water.
water quality criteria	A specific level or range of levels of water quality necessary for the protection of a water use; levels of water quality expected to render a body of water suitable for its designated use
water column	an imaginary column extending through a water body from its floor to its surface
ion exchange	A reversible process in which ions are released from an insoluble permanent material in exchange for other ions in a surrounding solution; the direction of the exchange depends upon the affinities of the ion exchanger for the ion present, and the concentrations of the ions in the solution
mitigation bank	Habitat protection or improvement actions taken expressly for the purpose of compensating for unavoidable, necessary losses from specific future development actions.
intensive crops	Crops generally grown under irrigation in the Western United States requiring large inputs of labor and capital
"worst drought of record"	The series of (water) years when water supply and hydrologic conditions represented the least ever recorded.
habitat fragmentation	The breaking up of habitat into discrete islands through modification or conversion of habitat by management activities.
arhizous	Plant without roots.
pores	The complex network of channels in the interior of a particle of a sorbent.
consolidated aquifer	An aquifer made up of consolidated rock that has undergone solidification or lithification.
caterpillar	generally the larval, or immature stage of moths and butterflies (Lepidoptera).
sedimentation	Settling of solid particles in a liquid system due to gravity.
colloid	Very finely divided solid particles which do not settle out of a solution; intermediate between a true dissolved particle and a suspended solid which will settle out of solution
climate	generalized weather at a given place on earth over a fairly long period; a long term average of weather
eductor	A venturi with an opening at the throat used to educt (suck in) air or liquid
subsidiary action programs	A suite of investment projects administered by the NBI that confer mutual benefits at the sub-basin level, each involving two or more countries.
skid	Short-distance moving of logs or felled trees along the surface of the ground from the stump to the point of loading.
zero soft	Water with a total hardness less than 1.0 grain per US Gallon (17.1 ppm), as calcium carbonate.
moderate flooding	Flood conditions characterized by the inundation of secondary roads, transfer of property to higher elevations, and some evacuations of people and livestock
dry dock	(Nautical) A large dock in the form of a basin from which the water can be emptied or pumped, used for building or repairing a ship below its water line.
volatil organic compounds	Organic compounds in the biogas at varying concentrations
channel	A channel is a body of water that connects two larger bodies of water (like the English Channel)
flame trap assembly	An assembly consisting of a flame arrester and a thermal shut-off valve.
capillary zone	soil area above the water table where water can rise up slightly through the cohesive force of capillary action
holding time	(Water Quality) The time allowed between removal of samples from water sources for bacteriological analysis and the processing of those samples.
limnology	The study of lakes, ponds and streams.
evapotranspiration	The loss of water to the atmosphere via the combined effects of evaporation and transpiration.
tract	An expanse of land or water.
gorge	A gorge is a steep-sided river valley which is very narrow and deep
gully erosion	a form of erosion involving the formation of deep, steep-sided channels or gullies which cannot be removed by cultivation (see rill erosion, sheet erosion)
debris basins	Storage for sediment and floating material provided by a dam with spillway above channel grade, by excavation below grade, or both
ephemeral stream	A stream that flows only in direct response to precipitation, and thus discontinues its flow during dry seasons
setback	Denotes the positioning of a levee or structure in relationship to a stream bank
spring	Ground water seeping out of the earth where the water table exceeds the ground surface.
storm tracks	The path or tracks generally followed by a cyclonic disturbance.
agglomeration	A process of bringing smaller particles together to form a larger mass.
bacteria	(Singular 'bacterium') A large group of prokaryotic microorganismd characterized by multiplying via fission or forming spores, and generally lacking clorophyll or a distinct nucleus surrounded by a membrane
annular space	The space between two cylindrical objects, one of which surrounds the other, such as the space between the wall of the drilled hole and the casing, or between a permanent casing and the borehole.
code	Those regulations which the department having jurisdiction may lawfully adopt.
hogback ridge	Any ridge with a sharp summit and steep slopes of nearly equal inclination on both flanks, and resembling in outline the back of a hog.
scaffold protein	An element of a signal transduction pathway that simultaneously binds multiple members of the pathway
rockwell hardness testing	an indentation hardness test based on the depth of penetration of a specified penetrator into the specimen under certain arbitrarily fixed conditions; a value derived from the increase in depth of an impression as the load on an indenter is increased from a fixed minimum value to a higher value and then returned to the minimum value
color	(1) Measured in units that relate to a standard
zero soft	Water with a total hardness less than 1.0 grain per U.S
current	the portion of a stream or body of water which is moving with a velocity much greater than the average of the rest of the water
hyetography	The branch of meteorology having to do with the geographical distribution and annual variation of rainfall
biota	All plant and animal life in a particular region or area.
algae	simple rootless plants that grow in sunlit waters in proportion to the amount of available nutrients
biodegradation	capable of being broken down especially into harmless products by the action of living things (as microorganisms).
concentrate	a product containing a valuable mineral or metal and from which most of the waste material has been removed Concentration
landslide	A mass of material that has slipped downhill under the influence of gravity, frequently occurring when the material is saturated with water.
osmotic pressure	The pressure exerted by the flow of water through a semipermeable membrane separating two solutions with different concentrations of solute.
substrate	the surface beneath a wetland in which organisms grow or to which organisms are attached.
runoff	Rain or melted snow which is not absorbed into the soil, but flows across land into streams, lakes and rivers.
infiltration	The movement of water through the soil surface into the soil.
sink	(1) Generally, a dry or intermittently dry lakebed in the lowest spot of a closed valley; a depression in the land surface, especially one having a central playa or saline lake with no outlet
emergent plants	erect, rooted, herbaceous plants that may be temporarily to permanently flooded at the base but do not tolerate prolonged inundation of the entire plant.
well injection	the subsurface placement of fluids into a well.
annulus pressure	The positive pressure maintained by a fluid introduced between the well piping and the outer wall (casing) of the borehole of an underground Injection Well providing an indication of the integrity of the well.
land reclamation	Making land capable of more intensive use by changing its general character, as by drainage of excessively wet land, irrigation of arid or semiarid land, or recovery of submerged land from seas, lakes, and rivers.
afterbay	The tail race or reservoir of a hydroelectric power plant at the outlet of the turbines used to regulate the flow below the plant; may refer to a short stretch of stream or conduit, or to a pond or reservoir
drainage basin	The area of land that drains water, sediment, and dissolved materials to a common outlet at some point along a stream channel.
pool/riffle ratio	The ratio of surface area or length of pools to the surface area or length of riffles in a given stream reach; frequently expressed as a relative percentage of each category
limicolous	Living in mud.
hydrographic study area	An area of hydrological and climatological similarity so subdivided for study purposes.
euphotic	Of, relating to, or being the uppermost layer of a body of water that receives sufficient light for Photosynthesis and the growth of green plants
bridge	An over the lake, stream or river structure built so that people can get from one side to the other.
public water system	a system for the provision to the public of water for human consumption through pipes or other constructed conveyances. In Texas, a public water system is one that serves at least 15 service connections or serve at least 25 individuals at least 60 days out of the year.
waste utilization	Using an agricultural or other waste on land in an environmentally acceptable manner while maintaining or improving soil and plant resources.
hydrogeology	the geology of groundwater, with particular emphasis on the chemistry and movement of water.
saline sodic land	Soil that contains soluble salts in amounts that impair plant growth but not an excess of exchangeable sodium.
extractives	small amount of substances additional to the major components of wood which give timbers their own color and odor
reuse	The additional use of previously used water.
sinkhole	A depression in the earth's surface caused by dissolving of underlying limestone, salt, or gypsum
injection well	a well into which fluids are forced.
total dissolved solids	The quantity of dissolved material in a given volume of water
shear stress	the frictional force per unit area exerted on a streambed by flowing water
benthic zone	The lower region of a body of water including the bottom.
minimum tillage farming	A farming technique that reduces the degree of soil disruption
destratification	Vertical mixing within a lake or reservoir to totally or partially eliminate separate layers of temperature, plant, or animal life.
water requirement	The total quantity of water, regardless of its source, required for production of crops at their normal growth under field conditions
hydrologic cycle	The water cycle, including precipitation of water from the atmosphere as rain or snow, flow of water over or through the earth, and evaporation or transpiration to water vapor in the atmosphere
design flood	The flood magnitude selected for use as a criterion in designing flood control works
white squall	A sudden squall occurring in tropical or subtropical waters, characterized by the absence of a dark cloud and the presence of white-capped waves or broken water.
lake	Any inland body of standing water, usually fresh water, larger than a pool or pond; a body of water filling a depression in the earth's surface.
throughput volume	The amount of solution passed through an exchange bed before exhaustion of the resin is reached.
flush tank	A tank or chamber in which water is stored for rapid release to flush a toilet or water closet.
ecotoxicology	traditional fuels: The noncommercial use of wood, charcoal, animal dung, and other biomass fuels for subsistence purposes, primarily for cooking food and heating homes
air injection	In groundwater management, the pumping of compressed air into the soil to move water in the Unsaturated Zone (Vadose Zone) down to the Saturated Zone (Phreatic Zone), or Water Table.
ferrous materials	those metals that are derived from iron
backwater pools	A pool type formed by an eddy along channel margins downstream from obstructions such as bars, rootwads, or boulders, or resulting from backflooding upstream from an obstructional blockage
spume	(1) Foam or froth on a liquid, as on the sea
stream piracy	The process whereby a stream rapidly eroding headward cuts into the divide separating it from another drainage basin, and provides an outlet for a section of a stream in the adjoining valley
eukaryotic organelles	they may have photosynthetic pigments but lack chloroplasts, the specialized photosynthetic organelles in higher plants, and mitochondria.
acid-forming material	Material containing sulfide minerals or other materials, which if exposed to air, water, or weathering processes will form sulfuric acid that may create Acid Mine Drainage.
adhesion	Molecular attraction that holds the surfaces of two substances in contact, such as water and rock particles
reclamation	the process of returning a site to its natural state, or a state that prevents environmental impacts or threats to human health and safety Restoration
pre-chlorination	The application of chlorine to a water prior to other water treatment processes.
stream reach	An individual first order stream or a segment of another stream that has beginning and ending points at a stream confluence
cut off	A channel cut across the neck of a bend.
trickle tube	A small diameter pipe to take water by gravity from a farm pond to a drinking receptacle without allowing livestock access to the pond.
sulfate reducing bacteria	bacteria capable of assimilating oxygen from sulfate compounds, thereby reducing them to sulfides.
waft	moving the hand in a wave-like motion over a substance causing a breeze which carries a faint odor of the substance.
wetland	areas that periodically have waterlogged soils or are covered with a shallow layer of water resulting in reduced soil conditions; wetland areas typically support plant life that are adapted to life in wet environments.
gallon	A unit that is now almost entirely out of date
natural radiation	Radiation from cosmic and other naturally occurring radionuclide (such as radon) sources in the environment.
downstream	At a point further along the river in the direction of the flow or current.
freezing	the change of a liquid into a solid as temperature decreases
conductivity	ability of a material to carry current or heat.
shared watercourse	A watercourse passing through or forming the border between two or more States.
manganese greensand	Greensand which has been processed to incorporate in it pores and on its surface the high oxides of manganese
denitrification	The reduction of nitrates to nitrogen gas and oxides of nitrogen, usually under anoxic (without oxygen) conditions.
natural state	as close as possible to the state that existed before anthropogenic alteration.
thermal bridge	a part of a building envelope that has high thermal conductivity, lowering the average R-value of the assembly
sewer service condition	Assessment of the service condition of the sewer, reflecting the sewer conduit's capacity, potential for blockage, and water tightness.
bank storage	The water absorbed into the banks of a stream, lake, or reservoir, when the stage rises above the water table in the bank formations, then returns to the channel as effluent seepage when the stage falls below the water table
subtractive consumption	Consumption of a resource that limits or prevents resource use by another because it is used up or degraded.
water course	General term for flowing water body
jetty	a structure (as a pier or mole of wood or stone) extending into a sea, lake, or river to influence the current or tide or to protect a harbor.
soil water	Water present in the soil pores
electrons	Negatively charged building blocks of an atom that circle around the nucleus.
globe	A round model of the earth.
degradation	A growth phase in which the availability of food begins to limit cell growth.
cumuliform	Clouds composed of water droplets that exhibit vertical development
plunge pool	A pool at the foot of a small water-fall in a river
hydrologic unit	A distinct watershed or river basin defined by an eight-digit code.
polder	An area of low-lying land, especially in the Netherlands, that has been reclaimed from a body of water and is protected by dikes.
water resources sub-area	An approximation of a Water Resources Sub-Region using county boundaries
gaging station	A particular site on a stream, canal, lake, or reservoir where systematic observations of Gage Height or discharge are obtained.
remote sensing	The science, technology and art of obtaining information about objects or phenomena from a distance (i.e., without being in physical contact with them).
centrifugal pump	A device that converts mechanical energy to pressure or kinetic energy in a fluid by imparting centrifugal force on the fluid through a rapidly rotating impeller.
mid-latitude cyclones	Mid-latitude cyclones originate in areas of low pressure located between 30 degrees and 60 degrees latitude
moa	Memorandum of Agreement
delineation	The process of deciding where something, for example, the boundaries of a Wetland, begins and ends.
surface tension	the property, due to molecular forces in the surface film, that tends to contract the liquid into a form having the least surface/volume ratio.
group	a family of elements with similar chemical properties, represented by a vertical column in the periodic table.
ma	The Millennium Ecosystem Assessment assessed the consequences of ecosystem change for human well-being
flood stage	An above average elevation for the water level at high flows.
bmp	Best Management Practice
equilibrium constant	A value which describes the relationship between chemical species in a system at equilibrium
aliquot	A measured portion of a sample taken for analysis
ionic strength	The weighted concentration of ions in solutions, computed by the formula:Ionic Strength = 1/2 Sum(Zi2Ci)where:Z = the charge on a particular ionic species; andC = the concentration of a particular ionic species.
periodic table	Table of all known elements. For more information click here.
aggressive water	A term usually applied to waters containing acid or oxygen which hasten corrosion (rusting).
witch	To use a divining rod to find underground water or minerals; Dowse.
wettability	The relative degree to which a fluid will spread into solid surface in the presence of other immiscible fluids.
bioaccumulation	The biological sequestering of a substance at a higher concentration than that at which it occurs in the surrounding environment or medium
dam	A barrier built, usually across a watercourse, for holding back water or diverting the flow of water.
hypoxic waters	Waters with dissolved oxygen concentrations of less than 2 mg/L, the level generally accepted as the minimum required for life and reproduction of aquatic organisms.
acidic	The condition of water or soil in which the amount of acid substances are sufficient to lower the pH below 7.0.
dendritic	A drainage pattern in which tributaries branch irregularly in all directions from and at almost any angle to a larger stream
large woody debris	Pieces of naturally occurring wood larger than 10 ft long and 6 in
ecoregion	An area of similar climate, landform, soil, potential natural vegetation, hydrology, or other ecologically relevant variables.
exotic species	plants or animals not native to the area.
bioengineering	See Soil Bioengineering.
sea	ocean or lake by a relatively narrow opening or channel.
calcite	Calcium carbonate (CaCO3)
cash flow	Net income before non-cash charges, amortization and depreciation
ionization	The process in which atoms gain or lose electrons and thus become ions with positive or negative charges; sometimes used synonymously with dissociation; and separation of molecules into charged ions in solution.
flora	plant population of a region.
standpipe	(1) A large vertical pipe into which water is pumped in order to produce a desired pressure; a high vertical pipe or reservoir that is used to secure a uniform pressure in a water-supply system
estuary	area where the current of a stream meets the ocean and where tidal effects are evident; an arm of the ocean at the lower end of a river.
marine life	Plants and animals of the sea, from the high-tide mark along the shore (also see Shore Life) to the depths of the ocean
thermophile	any organism having an optimum growth temperature above 45° C.
hydrology	the science dealing with the properties, distribution, and circulation of water.
stoichiometric pilot	A pilot having a perfect theoretical fuel to air ratio.
acute toxicity	clear-cutting: The harvesting of all economically useful trees from an area at the same time.
spring loaded	Valve relief setting achieved by properly compressing a spring against the top of the pallet.
upgradient	In the direction of increasing hydrostatic head.
slough	a small marshy tract lying in a swale or other local shallow undrained depression; a sluggish creek or channel in a wetland.
dune	A dune is a hill or a ridge made of sand
asexual reproduction	Plants reproducing without the sexual process by fragmentation, turions, tubers, and/or other vegetative structures.
flood plain	Level land that may be submerged by flood waters.
outer annular space	the void space between the side wall of the drilled bore hole of a well and the outside casing wall.
vadose zone	the zone between land surface and the water table where the moisture content is less than saturation (except in the capillary fringe) and pressure is less than atmospheric
deposition	The accumulation of material dropped because of a slackening movement of the transporting medium, e.g., water or wind
fahrenheit temperature scale	A thermometric scale on which the freezing point of water is at 32Â°F (Fahrenheit) above the 0Â°(F) mark on the scale, and the boiling point of water is at 212Â°F
endemic	(Ecology) Confined to, or Indigenous in, a certain area or region, as an endemic plant or animal.
flow rate	The volume of solution which passes through a given quantity of resin within a given time
silage	Fermented, high moisture fodder made from crops
iioa	Indiana Industrial Operators Association
channel density	The ratio of the length of stream channels in a given basin to the area of the basin, expressed in feet per acre (meters per hectare).
grab sample	a single water or wastewater sample taken at a single point in time and location Habitat
absorption	The process in which one substance penetrates into the body of another substance, termed the absorbent
volume	the space occupied in three dimensions.
grinding	Breaking-up of e.g., waste to reduce the size of the pieces, by means of pressure, impact or shredding; the process is carried out in a specially constructed, closed device.
biota	Collectively, the plants, microorganisms, and animals of a certain area or region.
triazine pesticide	See Triazine herbicide.
common name	A relatively short name for a pesticide, approved by either an international body such as ISO (International Organization for Standardization) or by a national body such as ANSI (American National Standards Institute) or BSI (British Standards Institution).
deposition	A river lays down or drops the sediment or material that it is carrying such as sand, mud, and small stones or sticks
winter irrigation	The irrigation of lands between growing seasons in order to store water in the soil for subsequent use by plants.
pics	POCs
anaerobic	Characterizing organisms able to live and grow only where there is no air or free oxygen, and conditions that exist only in the absence of air or free oxygen.
angstrom unit	A unit of wavelength of light equal to .00001 millimeter or .0001 microns.
benthic invertebrates	Aquatic animals without backbones that dwell on or in the bottom sediments of fresh or salt water
back swamp	Marshy area of a flood plain at some distance from and lower than the banks of a river confined by natural levees.
thunderstorm	Also known as an electrical storm, a lightning storm, or a storm is a form of weather characterized by the presence of lightning and its effect: thunder.
high flow pulses	the component of an instream flow regime that represents short-duration, in-channel, high flow events following storm events
grain	(gr) A unit of weight equal to 1/7000th of a pound or 0.0648 gram.
trihalomethanes	chemical compounds in which three of the four hydrogen atoms of methane (CH4) are replaced by halogen atoms
vernal pools	(1) Wetlands that occur in shallow basins that are generally underlain by an impervious subsoil layer (e.g., a clay pan or hard pan) or bedrock outcrop, which produces a seasonally perched water table
cloud chamber	A vessel containing air saturated with water vapor whose sudden expansion reveals the passage of an ionizing particle by a trail of visible droplets.
modulus of elasticity	a measure of the rigidity of metal
dead weight loaded-valve	Pressure or vacuum relief setting is achieved by loading properly weighted discs on top of pallet or disc in a valve.
venturi	A tube with a tapered throat which causes an increase in velocity thus a decrease in pressure of the fluid passing through it
oxygen demand	The quantity of oxygen utilised in the biochemical oxidation of organic matter in a specified time, at a specified temperature, and under specified conditions (measured as 5-day biochemical oxygen demand - BOD5).
purge	To force a gas through a water sample to liberate volatile chemicals or other gases from the water so their level can be measured.
limestone	A sedimentary rock, largely calcium carbonate, usually also containing significant amounts of magnesium carbonate.
evaporation opportunity	The ratio of the rate of evaporation from a land or water surface in contact with the atmosphere, to the Evaporativity under existing atmospheric conditions
hydroelectric power water use	The use of water in the generation of electricity at plants where the turbine generators are driven by falling water
bedroom	in LEED for Homes, any room or space that could be used or is intended to be used for sleeping purposes and meets local fire and building code requirements.
glacial outwash	Stratified material, chiefly sand and gravel deposited by meltwater streams in front of the margin of a glacier.
rill erosion	Removal of soil particles from a bank slope by surface runoff moving through relatively small, narrow channels.
epilimnion	warm, less dense top layer in a stratified lake
drainage area	The total surface area upstream of a point on a stream that drains toward that point
lemna gibba	The genus and species name of a small, stemless, free-floating plant used in experiments to determine the toxicity of pollutants to aquatic plant life
off-line reservoir	A reservoir constructed to the side of the main canal, usually in a natural drainage channel used to store surplus water runoff during the winter season for use during the irrigation season.
ion	an isolated electron or positron; an atom or molecule which by loss or gain of one or more electrons has acquired a net electric charge.
mechanical flotation	A term used in the mineral industry to describe the use of dispersed air to produce bubbles that measure 0.2 to 2 mm in diameter.
prap	See Proposed Remedial Action Plan
collector system	Conveys water from several individual sources such as groundwater wells and drains and surface inlet drains for rainstorm and snowmelt runoff to a single point of diversion
composite sample	(Water Quality) A representative water or wastewater sample made up of individual smaller samples taken at periodic intervals and composited into one representative sample for analysis.
rain garden	a swale, or low tract of land into which water flows, planted with vegetation that requires or tolerates high moisture levels
red data book	A collection of the available information relative to Endangered and Threatened Species
dry sclerophyll	a type of eucalypt forest found in moderate rainfall (less than 1000 mm per year) areas sometimes called 'open forests' (see wet sclerophyll)
geohydrology	a term which denotes the branch of hydrology relating to subsurface or subterranean waters; that is, to all waters below the surface.
herding agent	A chemical applied to the surface of water to control the spread of a floating oil spill.
ecotone	a transition zone between two distinctly different ecosystems or communities.
gaging station	the site on a stream, lake or canal where hydrologic data is collected.
persistent organic pollutants	Organic compounds that are resistant to environmental degradation through chemical, biological, and photolytic processes.
parts per million	The concentration of a substance in air, water or soil
mismatch	A condition in which water supplied to a given point in a conveyance or distribution system does not equal the demand for water at that point.
cyanazine	A herbicide listed by the U.S
detergent	synthetic washing agent that helps remove dirt and oil
impermeability	Characteristic of geologic materials that limit their ability to transmit significant quantities of water under the pressure differences normally found in the subsurface environment.
deep percolation	the percolation of water through the ground and beyond the lower limit of the root zone of plants into a groundwater aquifer.
drift organisms	Benthic organisms temporarily suspended in the water and carried downstream by the current.
retainer	Any device which holds a component in place.
nonferrous materials	any pure metal other than iron or any metal alloy for which a metal other than iron is its major constituent in percent by weight; metals that contain no iron, e.g
right of capture	the idea that the water under a person's land belongs to that person and they are free to capture and use as much as they want
non-contact recreation	Recreational pursuits not involving a significant risk of water ingestion, including fishing, commercial and recreational boating, and limited body contact incidental to shoreline activity.
chemical treatment	Any one of a variety of technologies that use chemicals or a variety of chemical processes to treat municipal solid waste.
surface finish	(1) condition of a surface as a result of a final treatment or (2) measured surface profile characteristics, the preferred term being roughness.
natural flow	the rate of water movement past a specified point on a natural stream
surface tension	a property of’ liquids in which the exposed surface tends to contract to the smallest possible area, as in the formation of a meniscus
flood damage	The direct and indirect economic loss caused by floods including damage by inundation, erosion, or sediment deposition
municipal discharge	Discharge of effluent from waste water treatment plants which receive waste water from households, commercial establishments, and industries in the coastal drainage basin
bay	A bay is a body of water that is partly enclosed by land (and is usually smaller than a gulf).
resource	something valuable that can be used to support life or make it easier
tidal marsh	low, flat marshlands traversed by channels and tidal hollows, subject to tidal inundation; normally, the only vegetation present is salt-tolerant bushes and grasses.
heat treatment	heating and cooling a solid metal or alloy in such a way as to obtain desired conditions or properties
fungi	any of a major group of saprophytic (obtaining food by absorbing dissolved organic material) and parasitic spore-producing organisms usually classified as plants that lack chlorophyll and include molds, rusts, mildews, smuts, mushrooms, and yeasts.
suspended solids	Solids which are not in true solution and which can be removed by filtration
biomass	All of the living material in a given area; often refers to vegetation.
hydraulic capacity	the maximum flow that a dam, spillway, or other structure can safely pass.
chlorophyll a	A green pigment, found in all plants that undergo photosynthesis, that is used as an indicator of algal growth in a water body.
dead time	The time required for the response to a change of input to a system to reach the location of a sensor (i.e., the time for a control initiated surge wave to travel from an upstream control check gate to a downstream sensor in a canal.)
clam-flat	(New England) A level stretch of soft tidal mud where clams burrow.
crest	the top of a dam, dike, or spillway, which water must reach before passing over the structure; the summit or highest point of a wave; the highest elevation reached by flood waters flowing in a channel.
hazardous material	An substance, pollutant or contaminant listed as hazardous under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA) of 1980, as amended, and the regulations promulgated pursuant to that act.
grain size	in metals, a measure of the areas or volumes of grains in a polycrystalline (solid composed of many crystals) material, usually expressed as an average when the individual sizes are fairly uniform
information management system	A system to enable the collection and management of information from one or more sources and the distribution of that information to one or more audiences.
pressure differential	The difference in pressure between two points.
ozone layer	Layer of gaseous ozone (O3) in the stratosphere that protects life on Earth by filtering out harmful ultraviolet radiation from the sun
plastics	Non-metallic chemically reactive compounds (polymers) moulded into rigid or pliable construction materials, fabrics, etc
parts per million	Expressed as ppm; a measure of concentration
fish passage	means by which fish in a stream are able to pass by or through in both upstream and downstream directions.
wet chemistry	the determination of the quantity of a desired constituent in ores, metallurgical residues and alloys by the use of the process of solution, flotation or other liquid means.
herbicide	A chemical used to control, suppress, or kill plants, or to severely interrupt their normal growth process.
vertical-velocity curve	A curve showing how the down-gradient velocity varies with depth along a vertical depth-observation line in a surface stream.
bridge	a structure forming or carrying a road over a river or affording passage between two points of land.
effective precipitation	the part of precipitation which produces runoff; a weighted average of current and antecedent precipitation "effective" in correlating with runoff
brackish	Having a somewhat salty taste, especially from containing a mixture of seawater and fresh water
flashboard	A temporary barrier, relatively low in height and usually constructed of wood, placed along the crest of the spillway of a dam to allow the water surface in the reservoir to be raised above spillway level in order to increase the storage capacity
hydroelectric power generation	The conversion of the flow of water into electricity.
regenerable	Refers to a material used in gas separation and which can be regenerated to be used again
conservation	The protection, maintenance, rehabilitation, restoration and enhancement of natural resources and includes the management of the use of natural resources to ensure the sustainability of such use.
natural attenuation	The process of Microbiological Anaerobic Degradation in which hazardous wastes and toxic compounds are treated while not involving the addition of foreign microbes to the site but rather using naturally-occurring microbes already present
crocodilians	A category of reptiles that includes alligators, crocodiles, gavials and caiman.
check gate	A gate located at a check structure used to control flow.
neurotransmitter	A molecule that is responsible for signal transmission in the nervous system.
bench flume	A flume built on constructed benches or terraces along hillsides or around mountain slopes when the ground is too rough or too steep to permit the use of an excavated canal.
voc	Volatile organic compound Any organic compound that has a low boiling point and readily volatilizes into air (e.g., trichloroethane, tetrachloroethene, and trichloroethene)
sponson	A light air-filled structure or a winglike part protruding from the hull of a seaplane to steady it on water.
bypassing	movement of sand from the accreting updrift side of a structure, inlet or harbour entrance to the eroding downdrift side.
carbonaceous	Materials of or derived from organic substances such as coal, lignite, peat, etc.
process piping	in an industrial facility, pipework whose function is to convey the materials used for the manufacturing process.
physiographic province	an area with similar characteristics based on geology, soil type, and topography.
normalize	heating a ferrous alloy to a suitable temperature above the transformation range and then cooling in air to a temperature substantially below the transformation range.
receptor	A specialized structure found in living organisms that can bind to specific molecules and regulate a variety of processes.
subaqueous	Existing, formed, or taking place in or under water.
sludge age	A measure of the time biological solids are retained in a basin calculated by dividing the mass of volatile solids in the basin by the total mass of volatile solids wasted during a given time period
hemiptera	The true bugs, a large order of insects including bedbugs, cicadas, and aphids, with mouth parts adapted for piercing and sucking and with mandibles in the form of long stylets lying in a trough-like labium.
water table	The water table is the natural level of water in a soil or rock
externality	The unintended or unwanted byproduct of production or consumption which must be borne by society in general
oxidation	A chemical process in which electrons are removed from an atom, ion or compound
targeting	The process of prioritizing pollutant sources for treatment with BMPs or a specific BMP to maximize the water quality benefits of the implemented BMPs.
discharge	The volume of water passing through a channel during a given time, usually measured in cubic feet per second.
embankment	An artificial deposit of material that is raised above the natural surface of the land and used to contain, divert, or store water, support roads and railways, or for other similar purposes.
semivolatile organic compounds	organic compounds that volatilize slowly at standard temperature (20 degrees C and 1 atm pressure).
pupa	the stage between the larva stage and the adult in insects that undergo complete metamorphosis; a non-feeding and usually an inactive stage
tahoe-prosser exchange agreement	Also referred to as the "Agreement for Water Exchange Operations of Lake Tahoe and Prosser Creek Reservoir," this agreement was finalized in June 1959 and designated certain waters in Prosser Reservoir in the Truckee River Basin as "Tahoe Exchange Water." By this agreement, when waters were to be released from Lake Tahoe for a minimum instream flow (50 cfs winter; 70 cfs summer) and when such releases from Lake Tahoe were not necessary for Floriston Rates due to normal flows elsewhere in the river, then an equal amount of water (exchange water) could be stored in Prosser Reservoir and used for releases at other times
titration	a method of analyzing the composition of a solution by adding known amounts of a standardized solution until a given reaction (color change, precipitation, or conductivity change) is produced.
runoff cycle	That portion of the Hydrologic Cycle between incident precipitation over land areas and its subsequent discharge through stream channels or Evapotranspiration.
dissolved air flotation	A procedure of induced flotation with very fine air bubbles or 'micro bubbles',
piezometric surface	the imaginary surface to which groundwater rises under hydrostatic pressure in wells or springs.
gravimetric analysis	a variation of differential thermal analysis in which additional information is obtained by determining the rate of change in weight during the heating process.
organonitrogen herbicides	A group of herbicides consisting of a nitrogen ring with associated functional groups and including such classes as triazines and acetanilides
capillary water	(1) Water held in the soil above the Phreatic Surface by capillary forces; or soil water above hydroscopic moisture and below the field capacity
gaining stream	A stream or reach of a stream, the flow of which is being increased by the inflow of ground water seepage or from springs in, or alongside, the channel
wmo	Watershed Management Organization
protozoa	Small, one-celled animals, including amoebae, ciliates and flagellants.
floodway	The channel of a river or stream and those parts of the adjacent floodplain adjoining the channel that are required to carry and discharge the base flood.
vortex	Any circular or rotary flow in the atmosphere that possesses vorticity.
aromatics	A type of hydrocarbon that contains a ring structure, such as benzene and toluene
scour	(1) To clear, dig, or remove by or as if by a powerful current of water
cogeneration	Co-production of electrical and thermal energy, also called combined heat and power (CHP).
aquatic habitat	Habitat that occurs in free water.
waterside	(1) Land bordering a body of water; a bank or shore
field-moisture capacity	The quantity of water which can be permanently retained in the soil in opposition to the downward pull of gravity.
oligotrophic	having a low supply of plant nutrients
primary energy	Total energy contained in the biogas and recoverable in the form of heat, electricity or biomethane
precipitate	the discrete particles of material separate from the liquid solution.
contact time	The length of time a substance is in contact with a liquid, before it is removed by filtration or the occurrence of a chemical change.
pressure dosing septic systems	Pressure-dosed Drainfield Septic Systems use a separate pumping chamber and pump, located downstream from the septic tank, to move effluent into a drainfield which in turn distributes effluent through a pressure-fed network of distribution pipes
non-permanent stream	a stream that typically contains surface waters or flows for periods less than six months in duration.
mound	There are various mound systems used for further treatment and dispersal of treated wastewater within a property
secondary salinity	human induced, largely believed to be related to irrigation, results from rise in naturally saline watertable to less than one metre from the root zone, causing salinisation (see salinisation)
tide	The periodic rising and falling of the earth's oceans and atmosphere
forced draft	Combustion air moved by the addition of pressure
septic systems	Systems that typically carry waste water away from a home.
mg/l	The abbreviation for milligrams per liter.
tuberculation	development or formation of small mounds of corrosion products on the inside of iron pipe
oil slick	A layer of oil floating on the surface of water.
depth finder	An instrument used to measure the depth of water, especially by radar or ultrasound.
standard sample	The part of finished drinking water that is examined for the presence of coliform bacteria.
eco-design	Eco-design consists of building environmental protection into the design of assets and services
marsh	a water-saturated, poorly drained area, intermittently or permanently water covered, having aquatic and grasslike vegetation.
cation	A negatively charged ion, resulting from dissociation of molecules in solution.
stream gradient	A general slope or rate of change in vertical elevation per unit of horizontal distance of the bed, water surface, or energy grade of a stream.
radium	Naturally occurring radioactive elements such as radium 226 and radium 228 created in the decay of the uranium and thorium series
vapor trail	A cloudlike streamer or trail often seen behind aircraft flying in clear, cold, humid air
total toxicity	Toxicity as determined by exposing aquatic organisms to samples or dilutions of instream water or treated effluent.
slush	Snow or ice on the ground that has been reduced to a softy watery mixture by rain and/or warm temperatures.
critical habitat	Under the Endangered Species Act, critical habitat is defined as (1) the specific areas within the geographic area occupied by a federally listed species on which are found physical and biological features essential to the conservation of the species and that may require special management considerations or protections; (2) specific areas outside the geographic area occupied by a listed species, when it is determined that such areas are essential for the conservation of the species.
aromatic	A type of hydrocarbon, such as benzene or toluene, added to gasoline in order to increase octane
acute testing	acute means short
extraction	the separation of specific constituents from a matrix of solids or a solution, employing mechanical and/or chemical methods; in waste treatment, extraction is to extract hazardous constituents from contaminated soil, thus circumventing the need to incinerate or otherwise treat the soil itself
run-off	That part of precipitation, snow melt, or irrigation water that runs off the land into streams or other surface water
waterpower	(1a) The energy produced by running or falling water that is used for driving machinery, especially for generating electricity; (1b) A source of such energy, as a waterfall
hot spring	A spring that brings hot water to the surface
surface tension	A phenomenon caused by a strong attraction towards the interior of the liquid action on liquid molecules in or near the surface in such a way to reduce the surface area
ephemeral stream	a stream or part of a stream that flows only in direct response to precipitation; it receives little or no water from springs, melting snow, or other sources; its channel is at all times above the water table.
bioremediation	Normally refers to the action of bacteria on a contaminated soil to detoxify the potentially hazardous substances in the soil.
disposables	Consumer products, other items, and packaging used once or a few times and discarded.
active solar water heater	A water heating system in which heat from the sun is absorbed by collectors and transferred by pumps to a storage unit
old river bendway	meanders that were part of the historical channel but are now cut off from the river.
dewlap	A fold of skin hanging from the neck of some bovines, reptiles, and birds.
firm yield	The maximum annual supply of a given water development that is expected to be available on demand, with the understanding that lower yields will occur in accordance with a predetermined schedule or probability
terminus	Refers to the location of water's final destination, as in the terminus of a river system being a Terminal Lake.
precipitate	To cause a dissolved substance to form a solid particle which can be removed by settling or filtering, such as in the removal of dissolved iron by oxidation, precipitation, and filtration
tswana	The name of a Southern African people (speak Tswana language, also called Setswana)
low heating value	The quantity known as lower heating value (LHV) (net calorific value (NCV) or lower calorific value (LCV)) is determined by subtracting the heat of vaporization of the water vapor from the higher heating value
discharge point	A location at which effluent is released into a receiving stream or body of water.
underground storage tank	A tank and any underground piping connected to the tank that has 10% or more of its volume (including pipe volume) beneath the surface of the ground
dock	a structure connected to dry land and used for the purposes of mooring a vessel
laser land leveling	The use of instruments featuring laser beams to guide earth-moving equipment for leveling land for surface-type irrigation.
meander bend	a windings or sinuous section of a stream channel
dolos	A concrete protective unit used to dissipate wave energy thus preventing damages to breakwaters and jetties
producer responsibility	In order to reduce generation of packaging and other commercial waste, many governments have introduced the legislation requiring certain type of 'producers' to minimise their packaging and/or accept back their own products which have no more value for consumers
orogeny	period of mountain-building.
cavitation	(1) A process of erosion in a stream channel caused by sudden collapse of vapor bubbles against the channel wall
closed basin	A basin is considered closed with respect to surface flow if its topography prevents the occurrence of visible surface outflow
total solids	The weight of all solids ( dissolved and suspended, organic and inorganic) per unit volume of water; usually determined by the evaporation of a measured volume of water at 105 C in a pre-weighed dish.
sample	bacterial colonies on laboratory media resulting from filtering and culturing bacteria from a water sample, each colony in the laboratory culture is presumed to have arisen from the multiplication of a single bacterium in the original sample.
manning's equation	an empirical equation used to estimate the average hydraulic conditions of flow within a channel cross section.
catchment	the area determined by topographic features within which rainfall will contribute to runoff at a particular point under consideration
apex	The highest point on an Alluvial Fan or similar landform below which the flow path of the major stream that formed the fan becomes unpredictable and Alluvial Fan Flooding can occur.
corrasion	The wearing away of earth materials through the cutting, scraping, scratching, and scouring effects of solid material carried by water or air.
postconsumer recycled content	material used and then recycled by consumers, as distinguished from the recycled by-products of manufacturing, called preconsumer (postindustrial) recycled content.
canal pool	Canal section between check structures
sea mile	A unit of length used in sea and air navigation, based on the length of one minute of arc of a great circle, especially an international and U.S
firm capacity	For public drinking water supplies, the system delivery capacity with the largest single water well or production unit out of service.
solar aquatic systems	A technology which, under controlled conditions, duplicates the natural water purification processes of streams and wetlands
satellite images	Images taken by a weather satellite that reveal information, such as the flow of water vapor, the movement of frontal system, and the development of a tropical system
katafront	A front where the warm air descends the frontal surface, except in the low layers of the atmosphere.
molal	a solution concentration having a mole of solute per 1,000 grams of solvent, usually water.
big water	To avoid reducing channel capacity, the San Antonio River Improvements Project plan calls for these wider stretches of water to be excavated just upstream of a grade control structure where the overall main channel can be widened
attrition	The process in which solids are worn down by friction, often between particles of the same material
chelating agent	A chemical compound sometimes fed to water to tie up undesirable metal ions, keep them in solution, and eliminate or reduce the normal effects of the ion
minimum detectable concentration	The smallest amount or concentration of a radionuclide that can be distinguished in a sample by a given measurement system at a preselected counting time and at a given confidence level.
detention time	the time allowed for solids to collect in a settling tank
carbon dioxide	A heavy, colorless gas that is the fourth most abundant constituent of dry air, comprising 0.033% of the total.
short wave	A progressive wave of smaller amplitude, wave length, and duration than a long wave
power factor	the ratio of the average or active power to the apparent power (root-mean-square voltage times rms current) of an alternating-current circuit
water dilution volume	The volume of water required to dilute radioactive waste to a concentration meeting drinking water standards
field sprinkler system	A system of closed conduits carrying irrigation water under pressure to orifices designed to distribute the water over a given area.
aquifer	A layer or zone below the surface of the earth which is capable of yielding a significant volume of water.
carbonates	the collective term for the natural inorganic chemical compounds related to carbon dioxide that exist in natural waterways.
well	a bored, drilled, or driven shaft or a dug hole whose depth is greater than the largest surface dimension and whose purpose is to reach underground water supplies or oil or to store or bury fluids below ground.
siltation	the deposition of finely divided soil and rock particles upon the bottom of stream and river beds and reservoirs.
erosion	the wearing away of the land surface by wind, water, ice or other geologic agents
dredging	Cleaning, deepening, or widening of a waterway, using a machine (dredge) that removes materials by means of a scoop or a suction device.
old	(1) (Geology) Having become slower in flow and less vigorous in action
limit cycle oscillation	A periodic solution to a set of differential equations that is characterized by either attracting or repelling nearby solutions.
dry dam	A dam that has an outlet positioned so that essentially all stored water will be drained from the reservoir by gravity
strata	(Geology) Distinct horizontal layers in geological deposits
fuse	a protective device containing a short piece of wire that melts and breaks when current through it exceeds a rated value, thus de-energizing the circuit.
liter	The basic metric unit of volume; 3.785 liters equals one U.S
iron bacteria	Organisms which are capable of utilizing ferrous iron, either from the water or from steel pipe, in their metabolism and precipitating ferric hydroxide in their sheaths and gelatinous deposits
nitrogen narcosis	A state of euphoria and exhilaration that occurs when nitrogen in normal air enters the bloodstream at approximately seven times atmospheric pressure (as in deep-water diving)
suspended sediment	Sediment that is transported in suspension by a stream.
molecule	the smallest particle of a compound that can exist in the free state and still retain the characteristics of the compound.
cover	Anything that provides protection for fish and/or wildlife from predators or ameliorates adverse conditions of stream flow and/or seasonal changes in metabolic costs
fan	Fabric Filters
extinction depth	The minimum depth from the surface to the groundwater table at which plant species that rely on groundwater can no longer survive.
succulent vegetation	Group of plants that have the ability to survive in deserts and other dry climates by having no leaves
doe	U.S
equipotential surface	A surface (or line) in a three-dimensional ground-water flow field such that the total hydraulic head is the same everywhere on the surface.
polycarbonate	A clear, tough polymer with good temperature and chemical resistance. Polycarbonate can be molded and is sometimes used for filter housings.
element	The disposable filtering cartridge itself in a replaceable cartridge-type filter.
first flush	The first portion of a rain event washed out approximately 90% of the pollutants in the first part of a rain event.
incised river	An incised river channel is one that cuts deeply into the landscape.
point bar	A gravel or sand deposit on the inside of a river bend; an actively mobile river feature.
metallography	the science dealing with the constitution and structure of metals and alloys as revealed by the unaided eye or by such tools as low-powered magnification, optical microscopy, electron microscopy and diffraction or x-ray techniques.
kibble	An iron bucket used in wells or mines for hoisting water, ore, or refuse to the surface.
clean development mechanism	(CDM)The Clean Development Mechanism encourages the realization of environmental projects in developing countries
cold	A condition marked by low or decidedly subnormal temperature
wind speed	The rate of the motion of the air on a unit of time
threatened species	Under the Federal Endangered Species Act, animal populations may be determined to be either threatened or endangered
discontinuity	Comparatively large contrast in meteorological elements over a relatively small distance or period of time
water hammer	A shock wave or series of waves produced by the abrupt acceleration or deceleration of water flow due to inertia
operating pressure	The normal ones sure at which a system operates.
site	(Environmental) An area or place within the jurisdiction of the U.S
quartzite	(Geology) A hard Metamorphic Rock made up of interlocking quartz grains that have been cemented by silica.
service area	The geographical land area served by a distribution system of a water agency.
data buoys	Buoys placed throughout the Gulf of Mexico and along the Atlantic and Pacific coasts of the United States that relay information on air and water temperature, wind speed, air pressure, and wave conditions via radio signals.
slurry wall	(1) Material placed vertically in the ground to prevent the lateral movement of groundwater
geophysical log	A record of the structure and composition of the earth encountered when drilling a well or similar type of test or boring hole.
plankton	Tiny plants and animals that live in water.
finite difference	a method of solving the governing equations of a numerical model by dividing the spatial domain into a mesh of nodes
vegetated channel	main channel with riparian canopy and/or emergent and submerged aquatic vegetation.
recharge	refers to water entering an underground aquifer through faults, fractures, or direct absorption.
average year water demand	Demand for water under average hydrologic conditions for a defined level of development.
global economy	The emerging international economy characterised by free trade in goods and services, unrestricted capital flows and weakened powers to control domestic economies.
streambank protection works	Structure placed on or near a distressed stream bank to control bank erosion or prevent failure.
fixture unit	An arbitrary unit assigned to different types of plumbing fixtures, and used to estimate flow rate requirements and drain capacity requirements.
spring melt/thaw	the process whereby warm temperatures melt winter snow and ice
hydrodynamic dispersion	(1) Spreading (at the macroscopic level) of the solute front during transport resulting from both mechanical dispersion and molecular diffusion
micron	A linear measure equal to one millionth of a meter, or .00003937 inch
pathogen	A disease-producing agent; usually applied to a living organism
symbiotic	a close association between the individuals of pairs of species often leading to mutual gains
pm10	Particles in the atmosphere with a diameter of less than or equal to a nominal 10 micrometers
intermittent	Alternately containing and empty of water as an intermittent lake.
sara	Federal Species At Risk Act
fecal streptococci	often used interchangeably with enterococci, but should indicate only one group of streptococci included in the total enterococci group.
total activity	The total quantity of radioactive decay particles that are emitted from a sample.
overdraft	pumping water from a groundwater basin or aquifer in excess of the supply flowing into the basin; results in a depletion or "mining" of the groundwater in the basin.
residual saturation	saturation level below which fluid drainage will not occur.
bioindicators	Organisms that are used to detect changes in environmental pollutant levels.
comptroller	a person employed by the government or a government corporation and designated in writing by the Minister as the Comptroller of Water Rights and includes any persons designated in writing by the Minister as acting, deputy or assistant comptrollers.
inset	An inflow, as of water; a channel.
main channel pool [california]	A pool formed by mid-channel scour that encompasses greater than sixty percent of the wetted channel.
nonuniform flow	(Hydraulics) Flow in which the mean velocity or cross-sectional area vary at successive channel cross-sections
mouth	the point at which a river empties into another body of water
poikilothermal	Term used for variable temperature cold-blooded animals.
bed	A mass of ion exchange resin particles or filter media contained in a column.
plunge pool	the deep pool that forms at the bottom of a waterfall
surface detention	That part of the rain which remains on the ground surface during rain and either runs off or infiltrates after the rain ends; surface detention does not include Depression Storage.
wilderness society	An American environmental organization concerned with the protection of wildlife habitat and wildlife refuges as well as the preservation of public lands.
endangered species	one having so few individual survivors that the species could soon become extinct in all or part of its region.
procaryotes	A cellular organism in which the nucleus has no limiting membrane.
channel realignment	The construction of a new channel or a new alignment which may include the clearing, snagging, widening, and/or deepening of the existing channel.
sewerage	A system of sewers; the removal of waste materials by means of a sewer system.
volatile organic compound	Any organic compound which evaporates readily to the atmosphere
local flooding	Flood conditions which occur over a relatively limited area.
reduction	Reduction is the addition of hydrogen, removal of oxygen, or the addition of electrons to an element or compound
geosol	(Geography) A stratigraphic unit of distinctive material, laterally traceable.
acl	Alternate Concentration Limits Default concentration levels are established through conservative scientific assumptions but Facility owners/operators may apply for ACLs if they can prove that the ACLs will not pose a substantial present or potential hazard to human health or the environment
potential evapotranspiration	(1) The maximum quantity of water capable of being evaporated from the soil and transpired from the vegetation of a specified region in a given time interval under existing climatic conditions, expressed as depth of water
placer	(Geology) (1) A glacial or alluvial deposit of heavy minerals such as gold or platinum concentrated in stream or beach gravels
demineralization	The removal of ionized inorganic minerals and salts (not organic materials) from a solution by a two-phase ion exchange procedure; similar to deionization, and the two terms are often used interchangeably.
stage	Height of the water surface above an established datum plane, such as in a river above a predetermined point that may (or may not) be at the channel floor.
pressure relief pipes	Pipes used to relieve uplift or Pore Pressure in a dam foundation or in the dam structure.
undertow	the current beneath the surface that sets seaward or along the beach when waves are breaking on the shore.
wetland mitigation bank	An arrangement whereby private developers buy credits of an acre or so each for the right to drain and build on Wetlands on their own property
microbial insecticide	a biological pesticide that contains microorganisms, such as bacteria, viruses or fungi, that attack insects.
public hearing	A formal meeting called by a regulatory agency (such as EPA or EPD) to hear the public's views and concerns about a regulatory action or proposal
clay	Substrate particles that are smaller than silt and generally less than 0.003 mm in diameter.
high clouds	A term used to signify cirriform clouds that are composed of ice crystals and generally have bases above 20,000 feet
liquid fertilizer	A fluid in which the plant nutrients are in true solution.
corrective maintenance	Maintenance operation of a facility due to a failure or defect
rain	Water falling to earth in drops that have been condensed from moisture in the atmosphere.
groundwater	water within the earth that supplies wells and springs; water in the zone of saturation where all openings in rocks and soil are filled, the upper surface of which forms the water table.
grab sample	A single sample of soil or of water taken without regard to time or flow.
sediment trap	a device installed in a stream to collect potentially deleterious sediment in flowing water.
corrosive	A substance that deteriorates material, such as pipe, through electrochemical processes.
desert	A barren or desolate area, especially one characterized by dry, often sandy conditions of little rainfall, typically less than 10 inches of rain per year, extreme temperatures, and sparse vegetation
instream flow	Nonconsumptive water requirements which do not reduce the water supply; water flows for uses within a defined stream channel
biogeochemical cycling	the flow of chemical substances to and from the major environmental reservoirs (atmosphere, hydrosphere, lithosphere, and biosphere).
chromic vertisols	A vertisol is a soil with a high content of expansive clay that forms deep cracks in drier seasons; chromic refers to a chroma (colour intensity) of 1.5 or above as opposed to pellic, which is 1.5 or below.
method blank	laboratory grade water taken through the entire analytical procedure to determine if samples are being accidentally contaminated by chemicals in the lab
critical bed depth	The minimum depth of an adsorbent bed requited to contain the mass transfer zone.
resource recovery	The process of obtaining matter or energy from MSW.
microscope	Scientific instrument used to magnify objects too small to be seen with the naked eye.
flexural strength	a measure of the ability of a material to withstand rupture when subjected to bend loading.
elongation	in tensile testing, the increase in the gage length (the original length of that portion of the specimen over which strain, change of length and other characteristics are measured), measured after fracture of the specimen within the gage length, usually expressed as a percentage of the original gage length.
filter	A device or system for the removal of solid particles (suspended solids).
cogeneration	The consecutive generation of useful thermal and electric energy from the same fuel source.
ecosystem	an interdependent group of plants and animals and the physical environment where they exist
eutrophication	The process by which a pond or lake becomes rich in dissolved nutrients
chute spillway	the overall structure which allows water to drop rapidly through an open channel without causing erosion
ferric iron	Small solid iron particles containing trivalent iron, usually as gelatinous ferric hydroxide or ferric oxide (Fe2O3), which are suspended in water and visible as "rusty" water
salinity intrusion	The movement of salt water into a body of fresh water
fecal coliform	bacteria that come from the intestinal tracts of mammals and are released in faeces Filtration
vehicle maintenance	Maintenance of vehicles and equipment are actions needed to ensure that usually problematic (partly as a result of procurement) or overly sophisticated vehicles (which cannot be serviced locally and whose spare parts are expensive and difficult to obtain) are kept operational.
total soil water potential	The work per unit quantity of pure water that has to be done to change its energy status to that of soil water at the point under consideration
hydrologic regime	The characteristic behavior and total quantity of water involved in a drainage basin.
mud slide	Fast moving soil, rocks and water that flow down mountain slopes and canyons during a heavy a downpour of rain.
cz	climate zone
isothermy	In Limnology, a state in which a lake is at the same temperature throughout and is well-mixed
beak sculpture	the raised loops, ridges, or bumps on the umbo
canal check gate structure	A structure designed to control the water surface level and flow in a canal, maintaining a specified water depth or head on outlets or turnout structures
hypochlorite	The "OC1" anion; calcium and sodium hypochlorites are commonly used as bleaches and disinfecting agents.
tmdl	Total Maximum Daily Load
biocides	a chemical toxic to a biological life; a compound that has the ability to inactivate microorganisms
furrow irrigation	irrigation method in which water travels through the field by means of small channels between each group of rows.
toxemia	A pathological condition in a person or animal caused by the presence of a toxic substance in the body.
operating pressure	The range of pressure, usually expressed in pounds per square inch, over which a water conditioning device or water system is designed to function.
anaerobic bacteria	Bacteria which grow in the absence of oxygen and get oxygen from breaking down complex substances.
bed depth	The height of the ion exchanger or filter media in the vessel after preparation for service.
cost-benefit analysis	Analysis technique which compares the cost of a project with the benefits derived from it
assessment	a written decision about the importance, size or value of something; for example, an environmental assessment may describe the value of arctic char after a study of the char, the fishermen, the method of fishing and the effect on the environment Assimilative Capacity
fluvial deposit	A sedimentary deposit consisting of material transported by suspension or laid down by a river or stream.
drainage divide	The line of highest elevations which separates adjoining drainage basins.
life index	productivity: An ecological term for production standardized per unit area and time.
sedimentation	Deposition of sediment.
resolution	Resolution is the ability of a sensor to distinguish two closely spaced objects or lines as two rather than one object or line
wheel cleansing	The process by which dirt and mud adhering to the wheels of vehicles that have travelled over a landfill site is removed, before they gain access to public roads.
oasis	A fertile or green spot in a desert or wasteland, made so by the presence of water.
aquifer	A layer or zone below the surface of the earth which is capable of yielding a significant volume of water.
limnology	scientific study of physical, chemical, and biological conditions in lakes, ponds, and streams.
hydrophobia	(1) An abnormal fear of water
molecular diffusion	The process in which solutes are transported at the microscopic level due to variations in the solute concentrations within the fluid phases
puddle	a small pool of water, usually a few inches in depth and from several inches to several feet in its greatest dimension.
acid rain	rain with a pH of less than 5.6; results from atmospheric moisture mixing with sulfur and nitrogen oxides emitted from burning fossil fuels; may cause damage to buildings, car finishes, crops, forests, and aquatic life.
hydrophyte	(1) A perennial vascular aquatic plant having its overwintering buds under water
protons	Positively charged building blocks of an atom that are centered in the nucleus.
upstream	Toward the source or upper part of a stream; against the current
mudslide	A condition where there is a river, flow or inundation of liquid mud down a hillside usually as a result of a dual condition of loss of brush cover, and the subsequent accumulation of water on the ground preceded by a period of unusually heavy or sustained rain
washing deinking	- Deinking in which solid particles are separated on the basis of their size by washing
postocular	In scaled reptiles, the ocular scales are those forming the margin of the eye
kalanga	Kalanga (or Bakalanga) is an ethnic group living in the entire Northeast District and the eastern third of Central District in Botswana
environmental quality	ecological justice: Refers to a worldview in which all species (i.e., not just humans) have a right to equitable access to the necessities of life and happiness (see also social justice).
volumetric tank test	One of several tests to determine the physical integrity of a storage tank; the volume of fluid in the tank is measured directly or calculated from product-level changes
rill erosion	a form of erosion involving formation of shallow gutters which may be removed by cultivation (see gully erosion, sheet erosion)
furrow dams	Small earth ridges or rows used to impound water in furrows.
calcium carbonate equivalent	A common basis for expressing the concentration of hardness and other salts in chemically equivalent terms to simplify certain calculations; signifies that the concentration of a dissolved mineral is chemically equivalent to the stated concentration of calcium carbonate.
pgdp	Paducah Gaseous Diffusion Plant A uranium enrichment plant located in Western Kentucky which uses the gaseous diffusion process; uranium hexafluoride is heated to a gas and passed repeatedly through porous barriers to separate U235 and U238 isotopes.
horn	A body of land or water shaped like a horn.
flat-water	Of or on a level or slow-moving watercourse.
intermittently flooded	A water regime in wetland classification in which the substrate is usually exposed, but surface water is present for variable periods without detectable seasonal periodicity.
phytotoxicity	The ability of chemicals to damage or kill plants in aquatic environments.
gravitational head	Component of total Hydraulic Head related to the position of a given mass of water relative to an arbitrary datum.
static head	The difference in elevation in feet between the water surface of the body of water being pumped and the centerline of the discharge pipe at the point of release
no-net-loss	a working principle of Fisheries and Oceans Canada which strives to balance unavoidable habitat losses through avoidance, mitigation, and habitat replacement on a project-by-project basis.
source	where the stream begins: usually where there is a spring, and quite high up
rip current	A strong, narrow surface current that flows rapidly away from the shore, returning the water carried landward by waves
ditch	A long narrow trench or furrow dug in the ground, as for irrigation, drainage, or a boundary line.
water gap	A traverse cleft in a mountain ridge through which a stream flows; the gap cut through a resistant ridge by a superimposed or Antecedent Stream.
effluent	any substance, particularly a liquid, that enters the environment from a point source
project efficiency	The project efficiency is a general term referring to the efficiency relating to all aspects of a project's use of water.
solute	any substance derived from the atmosphere, vegetation, soil, or rock that is dissolved in water.
respiration	(Biology) The oxidative process occurring within living cells by which the chemical energy of organic molecules (i.e., substances containing carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen) is released in a series of metabolic steps involving the consumption of oxygen (O2) and the liberation of carbon dioxide (CO2) and water (H2O).
cycle	The length of time a filter can be used before it needs cleaning, usually including cleaning time.
flow boundaries	Anything which inhibits ground water flow, such as a ground water divide or an impermeable geologic unit.
semipermeable membrane	A barrier, usually thin, that permits passage of particles up to a certain size or of a special nature
stratification	(Statistics) The subdivision of a Population into groups or strata, each of which is more homogeneous in respect to the variable being measured than the population as a whole
magmatic water	Water driven out of Magma during crystallization.
demand-sdte waste management	System whereby consumers use purchasing decisions to communicate to product manufacturers that they prefer environmentally sound products packaged with the least amount of waste, made from recycled or recyclable materials, and containing no hazardous substances.
dissolution	the process of dissolving a solid in a liquid Ecosystem
timing window	a period of reduced risk during which a particular type of works (i.e., instream works or vegetation clearing) are permitted
sulfur	A yellowish solid element
turbidimeter	an instrument for measurement of turbidity in which a standard suspension is used for reference.
stream channel	The bed where a natural stream of water runs or may run; the long narrow depression shaped by the concentrated flow of a stream and covered continuously or periodically by water.
scuttlebutt	(1) A cask on shipboard to contain fresh water for a day's use
cyanobacteria	A large and diverse group of bacteria capable of photosynthesis
swell	Ocean waves that have traveled out of their generating area
tilth	(1) The general physical condition of soil as it relates to agriculture use
bog	Waterlogged ground or marshland (also known as a wetland).
bed	(1) An underwater or intertidal area in which a particular organism is established in large numbers
milligram per liter	A unit concentration of matter used in reporting the results of water and waste water analyses
aerosol	Suspensions of tiny liquid and/or solid particles in the air.
significant municipal facilities	Those publicly owned sewage treatment plants that discharge a million gallons per day or more and are therefore considered by states to have the potential to substantially effect the quality of receiving waters.
assemblage	an organism group of interacting species in a given ecosystem, for example, a fish assemblage or a benthic macroinvertebrate assemblage.
hvac design	related processes designed to regulate ambient conditions within buildings for comfort or for industrial purposes
hydrostatic pressure	the pressure exerted by the water at any given point in a body of water at rest
kinetic energy	energy possessed by a moving object or water body.
algal blooms	Periods of enlarged algal growths that affect water quality
non-potable use	Use of water for purposes that do not require drinking water quality.
pallet	A disc or round plate that fits over a valve seat port opening.
deposit-feeders	Aquatic animals that consume fine particles of organic matter found on and within the bottom sediments.
absorb	To soak up or take in.
overpressure	The amount of pressure above the desired pressure setting necessary to relieve full flow capacity.
temperate	A region in the mid-latitudes, typically subject to distinct seasonal weather patterns.
sea breeze	A diurnal coastal breeze that blows onshore, from the sea to the land
phytoplankton	Free-floating microscopic aquatic organisms capable of photosynthesis.
typhoid	A potentially fatal intestinal disease
sinkhole	a hole caused by collapse of the land surface, commonly because underlying limestone rock has dissolved away.
detection criterion	A predetermined rule to ascertain whether a tank is leaking or not
food web	A conceptual diagram that represents the feeding relationships of organisms within an ecosystem
habitat diversity	The number of different types of habitat within a given area.
aesthetic	A term used to describe something of sensory or sensori-emotional value.
rural	Describes that which is related to the countryside as opposed to the city.
secretariat	The Secretariat of SADC established by Article 9 of the Treaty.
spring runoff	Snow melting in the spring causes water bodies to rise
aquifer	a geological formation, a group of geological formations, or a part of one or more geological formations that is water bearing and capable of storing, transmitting and yielding water.
cooling pond	Usually a man-made water body used by power plants or large industrial plants that enables the facility to recirculate once-through cooling water
itcz	Zone of rising air masses and low atmospheric pressure located at or near the equator
ionization	a process by which a neutral atom or molecule loses or gains electrons, thereby acquiring a net charge and becoming an ion; occurs as the result of the dissociation of the atoms of a molecule in solution or of a gas in an electric field.
nick point	The point where the stream is actively eroding the stream bed to a new base level
laboratory water	purified water used in the laboratory as a basis for making up solutions or making dilutions
relative humidity	the ratio of the amount of moisture in the air to the maximum amount of moisture the air could hold under the same conditions; usually expressed as a percentage reservoir - a pond or lake where water is collected and stored until it is needed rills - small grooves, furrows, or channels in soil made by water flowing down over its surface; also another name for a stream - usually a small stream runoff - liquid water that travels over the surface of the Earth, moving downward due to the law of gravity; runoff is one way in which water that falls as precipitation returns to the ocean
drip irrigation	A planned irrigation system in which water is applied directly to the Root Zone of plants by means of applicators (orifices, emitters, porous tubing, perforated pipe, etc.) operated under low pressure
banking	See Water Banking.
franchise	In the MSWM terms, it refers to the action by Municipality in which it awards, via competitive tendering, a limited monopoly to a private company to deliver a particular MSWM service, in a defined area for a fixed period
visibility	A measure of the opacity of the atmosphere, and therefore, the greatest distance one can see prominent objects with normal eyesight
zeolite	A group of hydrated sodium alumino silicates, either natural or synthetic, with ion exchange properties.
mechanical testing	the properties of a material that reveal its elastic and inelastic behavior when force is applied, thereby indicating its suitability for mechanical applications; different properties include modulus of elasticity, tensile strength, elongation, hardness, and fatigue limit.
prior appropriation	a doctrine of water law that allocates the rights to use water on a first in time, first in right, basis.
sour grassveld	A grassland landscape dominated by so-called sour grass, such as Themeda triandra
fluvial geomorphology	the study of rivers and streams and the processes that form them.
sea	A sea is a large body of salty water that is often connected to an ocean
swamp	an area intermittently or permanently covered with water, and having trees and shrubs.
sluice	(1a) An artificial channel for conducting water, with a valve or gate to regulate the flow; (1b) A valve or gate used in such a channel; a Floodgate or Sluice Gate
amino acids	Amino Acids are the chemical units that make up proteins.
turbidity	a cloudy condition in water due to suspended silt or organic matter.
mulching	The use of plant residues or other suitable materials on the soil surface, primarily to reduce evaporation of water and erosion of soil.
pond	a body of water usually smaller than a lake and larger than a pool either naturally or artificially confined.
butt	A large cask especially for wine, beer, or water.
activated coal	This is the most commonly used adsorption medium, produced by heating carbonaceous substances or cellulose bases in the absence of air
estuary	an area of a river where the fresh water meets the salt water
precipitation	water droplets or ice particles condensed from atmospheric water vapor and sufficiently massive to fall to the Earth’s surface, such as rain, sleet, or snow.
manganese greensand	Manganese Greensand is formulated from a glauconite greensand which is capable of reducing iron, manganese and hydrogen sulfide from water through oxidation and filtration.
cancer	a group of diseases characterized by the uncontrollable growth of cells
hatcheries	a place for hatching fish eggs humus - decomposed bits of plant and animal matter in the soil hydroelectric plant - a power plant that produces electricity from the power of rushing water turning turbine-generators hydrologic cycle - the natural recycling process powered by the sun that causes water to evaporate into the atmosphere, condense and return to earth as precipitation hydrology - the scientific study of the behavior of water in the atmosphere, on the Earth's surface and underground
bay	a body of water partly enclosed by land, but having a wide outlet to the sea.
static water depth	(Hydraulics) For a water well, the vertical distance from the centerline of the pump discharge down to the surface level of the free pool while no water is being drawn from the pool or water table.
groundwater	unconfined groundwater Subsurface water that is in contact with the atmosphere through open spaces in overlying permeable solids and sediments.
flexural properties	like tensile testing, flexural stress-strain testing determines the load necessary to generate a given level of strain on a specimen, typically using a three-point loading
inch	A fall, as of rain or snow, sufficient to cover the surface to the depth of one inch (2.54 centimeters).
biomass gas	Gases from the biochemical or thermochemical biomass conversion and which contain methane or hydrogen
plasticizer content	a material, generally an organic liquid, incorporated in a plastic or rubber formulation to soften the resin polymer and improve flexibility, ductility and extensibility; a high boiling liquid which is used in the formulation of a propellant to help make it plastic.
root pressure	Pressure exerted in the roots of plants as the result of Osmosis, causing exudation from cut stems and Guttation of water from leaves.
ground water overdraft	The condition of a ground water basin in which the amount of water withdrawn by pumping exceeds the amount of water that recharges the basin over a period of years during which water supply conditions approximate average
degradation	(1) A progressive lowering of the channel bed due to scour
impoundment	a body of water such as a pond, confined by a dam, dike, floodgate or other barrier
phenolphthalein	alkalinity A measure of the bicarbonate content.
microirrigation	a watering system with small sprinklers and microjets or drippers designed to apply small volumes of water
srf	Solid Recovered Fuels
ion	An atom, or group of atoms in a solution which function as a unit, and has a positive or negative electrical charge, due to the gain or loss of one or more electrons
transpiration	The process by which green plants give off water through pores in their leaves
sacrificial anode	An easily corroded material deliberately installed in a pipe or intake to give it up to corrosion while the ret of the water supply facility remains relatively corrosion-free.
conventional tilling	Tillage operations considered standard for a specific location and crop and that tend to bury the crop residues; usually considered as a base for determining the cost effectiveness of control practices.
dense fog advisory	Advisory issued when fog reduces visibility to 1/8 mile or less, creating possible hazardous conditions.
recs	Renewable Energy Certificate System
cooling water	Water used for cooling purposes by electric generators, steam condensers, large machinery or products at industrial plants, and nuclear reactors
detention	The process of collecting and holding back stormwater for delayed release to receiving waters.
chresard	Water present in the soil and available for plant absorption.
haze	A suspension of fine dust and/or smoke particles in the air
peak gust	The highest instantaneous wind speed observed or recorded.
transmission lines	Pipelines that transport raw water from its source to a water treatment plant, then to the distribution grid system.
tertiary treatment	removal from wastewater of traces or organic chemicals and dissolved solids that remain after primary treatment and secondary treatment.
water bar	shallow channel (cross-drain) or raised barrier (packed earth or a thin pole) laid diagonally across the surface of a road to guide water off the road.
salt water	The water of the ocean, distinguished from fresh water by its appreciable salinity.
clod	A compact, coherent mass of soil ranging in size from 5 to 10 millimeters (0.20 to 0.39 inch) to as much as 200 to 250 millimeters (7.87 to 9.84 inches) produced artificially, usually by the activity of man by plowing, digging, etc., especially when these operations are performed on soils that are either too wet or too dry for normal tillage operations.
astm	American Society for Testing and Materials
nitrification	the conversion of nitrogenous matter or free nitrogen into nitrates and ammonia by bacteria.
epcc	Engineering, Procurement, Construction, Commissioning
boiling point	the temperature at which a liquid boils
bay	A part of a sea, reservoir, or lake, indenting the shoreline; a wide inlet not so large as a Gulf.
storm sewer outfall	the final point of discharge of a system of pipes (separate from sanitary sewers) that carry only water runoff from building and land surfaces.
krcee	Kentucky Research Consortium for Energy & the Environment
head wall	A steep slope or precipice rising at the head of a valley or glacial Cirque.
revetment	A facing of stone, bags, blocks, pavement, etc., used to protect a bank against erosion.
borehole	A hole drilled in the ground or landfill in order to obtain samples of the geological strata, wastes or liquids
drainage flooding	Ponding of water at or near the point where it fell due to improper or limited drainage.
ground water outflow	That part of the discharge from a drainage basin that occurs through the ground water
trickling filter	a treatment system in which wastewater is trickled over a bed of stones or other material covered with bacteria that break down the organic waste and produce clean water.
conservation	wise use and protection from depletion and pollution
littoral zone	area on or near the shore of a body of water.
main stem	The principal channel of a drainage system into which other smaller streams or rivers flow.
cross-connection	any actual or potential connection between a drinking water system and an unapproved water supply or other source of contamination.
distillation	The process in which a liquid, such as water, is converted into its vapor state by heating, and the vapor cooled and condensed to the liquid state and collected; used to remove solids and other impurities from water; multiple distillations are required for extreme purity.
hardness	Water hardness is a historical term expressing the total concentration of cations, specifically calcium (Ca
filling	Adding to and building up with material such as soil or gravel.
permeable	ability of a material to allow the passage of a liquid, such as water, through sands and gravels or rocks. Water moves more quickly through sands, whereas clay is impermeable.
monsoon	A wind from the southwest or south that brings heavy rainfall to southern Asia in the summer and the rain that accompanies this wind.
cut-off high	A warm high which has become displaced and is on the polarward side of the jet stream
outfall	the place where a wastewater treatment plant discharges treated water into the environment.
plug flow	A type of flow that occurs in tanks, basins, or reactors when a slug of water moves through without ever dispersing or mixing with the rest of the water flowing through.
wetland	land that is inundated or saturated by surface or groundwater at a frequency and duration sufficient to support vegetation that is typically adapted to saturated soil conditions
gpg	Abbreviation for "grain(s) per gallon".
boreal forest	tectonic forces: Forces associated with crustal movements and related geological processes that cause structural deformations of rocks and minerals.
fluvial	Pertaining to a river or stream.
watershed restoration	Improving current conditions of watersheds to restore degraded fish habitat and provide long-term protection to aquatic and riparian resources.
stage-discharge relationship	The relationship between the amount of water flowing in a river or stream and Stage at any particular point, usually represented by means of a Rating Curve or Rating Table.
internal drainage	surface drainage whereby the water does not reach the ocean, such as drainage toward the lowermost or central part of an interior basin.
veering	A clockwise shift in the wind direction in the Northern Hemisphere at a certain location
structural deformation	The distortion in walls of a tank after liquid has been added or removed.
snow pellets	Frozen precipitation in the form of white, round or conical opaque grains of ice
water	clear, colorless, odorless, tasteless liquid comprised of atoms of hydrogen (one atom) and oxygen (two atoms) = H20; essential for plant and animal life on Earth. The "universal solvent".
table	water beneath the surface of the ground, consisting largely of surface water that has seeped down, water beneath the earth's surface, occurring in aquifers at one or more depth levels, (see surface water).
mudflat	Low-lying muddy land that is covered at high tide and exposed at low tide; A level tract lying at little depth below the surface of water or alternately covered and left bare by the tide.
water availability model	a numerical surface water flow model used to determine the availability of surface water for water right permitting.
ngo	Non-governmental organization
aeration	Any active or passive process by which intimate contact between air and liquid is assured, generally by spraying liquid in the air, bubbling air through water, or mechanical agitation of the liquid to promote surface absorption of air.
damages prevented	The difference between the amount of damages without a particular water project and the damages with the project in place.
medic	species of the genus Medicag o, including lucerne, that have symbiotic rhizobia which fix nitrogen
aquifer	porous, water-bearing layer of sand, grave), and rock below the Earth’s surface; reservoir for groundwater.
evaporation	the changing of water to water vapor
boundaryconditions	Flow conditions imposed at the ends of a pipeline or canal reach by various physical structures, which must be described mathematically to solve the general equation of flow for hydraulic transient computer models.
wwtp	Waste Water Treatment Plant
waveform analysis	the determination of the amplitude and phase of the components of a complex waveform either mathematically or by means of electronic instruments.
prehistoric	before people were around to keep records of history
fauna	The population of animals in a given area, environment, formation, or time span
volcano	A volcano is a mountainous vent in the Earth's crust
slow sand filter	Essentially, a concrete basin covered with graded gravel and about 3 feet of sand used to pass raw water through at low velocity, resulting in substantial removal of chemical and biological contaminants
hookah	An Eastern smoking pipe designed with a long tube passing through an urn of water that cools the smoke as it is drawn through
appurtenant	(1) (Legal) A right, privilege, or property that is considered incident to the principal property for purposes such as passage of title, conveyance, or passage of title
reverse deionization	The use of an anion exchange unit ahead of a cation exchange unit- in that order- in a deionization system.
infra-red	Wavelength area of the light spectrum and which is used in the analysis of the chemical composition of a biogas
depauperate	(Biology) An area poor in species quantities and/or diversity; an aquatic sample showing few life forms
runoff percentage	Runoff expressed as a percentage of the precipitation.
field capacity	the amount of water held in soil against the pull of gravity.
transpiration	the process by which water passes through living organisms, primarily plants, into the atmosphere.
refractory	Rotary Kiln
edaphic	Soil characteristics, such as water content, pH, texture, and nutrient availability, that influence the type and quantity of vegetation in an area.
endemic	Occurring naturally in only one specific area.
convergence	Wind movement that results in a horizontal net inflow of air into a particular region
drought	although there is no universally accepted definition of drought, it is generally the term applied to periods of less than average precipitation over a certain period of time
filter	Specifically, a device or system for the removal of solid particles (suspended solids); in general, includes mechanical, adsorptive, oxidizing and neutralizing filters.
creek	a small stream of water which serves as the natural drainage course for a drainage basin
weather	climate change: Long-term changes in air, soil, or water temperature; precipitation regimes; wind speed; or other climate-related factors.
coefficient of variation	Statistical parameter describing the change of a stochastic variable in time or space, expressed as the ratio of the standard deviation to the mean.
algal blooms	a sudden proliferation of microscopic algae in water bodies, stimulated by the input of nutrients such as phosphates
process geomorphology	See Geomorphology, Process.
substrate	the bottom or bed materials of a water body or watercourse in which plants and organisms live and grow.
aeration tank	A tank that is used to inject air into water.
ice fog	Fog that is composed of minute ice particles
regional water strategy	The role of the Regional Water Strategie (RWS) is to promote regional integration and poverty alleviation within the SADC region
micrograms per liter	A unit expressing the concentration of constituents in solution as weight (micrograms) of solute per unit volume (liter) of water; equivalent to one part per billion in most streamwater and ground water
chp	Combined heat and power
benthic organism	A form of aquatic life that lives on or near the bottom of streams, lakes, or oceans.
vaporize	Conversion of a liquid into vapour.
hydroseeding	the application of a slurry of water, wood fiber mulch, seed and fertilizer to prevent soil erosion and provide an environment conducive to plant growth.
public meeting	A scheduled gathering of DEC staff and the public to give and receive information, ask questions and discuss concerns.
terrestrial radiation	Ionizing radiation emitted from radioactive materials, primarily 40K, thorium, and uranium, in the earth's soils, rocks and sediments
needle-leaved evergreen	Woody Gymnosperms with green, needle-shaped, or scale-like leaves that are retained by plants throughout the year; e.g., black spruce (Picea mariana).
biota	the plant (flora) and animal life (fauna) of a region or ecosystem.
offset	(Irrigation) The difference between the controlled variable and the referenced input, for example, in a canal system, the difference between the actual water level in the canal and the water level at design flow.
glacioeustacy	(1) The condition in which massive ice sheets store considerable quantities of water
mill wheel	A wheel, typically driven by water, that powers a mill.
neutral	a substance that is neither basic or acidic.
desalting	The term used to refer to any process by which the dissolved solids content of saline water or seawater is reduced
freshwater	Naturally occurring water on the Earth's surface in bogs, ponds, lakes, rivers and streams, and groundwater in aquifers and underground streams
watershed	land area from which water drains to a particular surface water body.
adit	A tunnel driven into a hillside to facilitate access, drainage and haulage of ore to the surface from a mine.
black ice	Thin, new ice on fresh or salt water that appears dark in color because of its transparency
derelict	(Legal) Land left dry by a permanent recession of the water line.
millimicron	A unit of length equal to one thousandth of a micron often used to express the wavelength of colors of visible light in colorimetric analytical procedures
floc	a very fine, fluffy mass formed by the aggregation of fine suspended particles.
freezing rain	Rain that falls as liquid and freezes upon impact to form a coating of glaze on the colder ground or other exposed surfaces
fanagolo	Fanagalo (or Fanakalo) is a pidgin (simplified language) based on the Zulu, English, and Afrikaans languages
public hearing	A formal meeting wherein governmental environmental officials hear the public's views and concerns about an action or proposal.
air pollution	One or more chemicals in sufficient concentration in the air to harm humans, other animals, vegetation or materials
polar	A compound of element capable of receiving or giving electrons. See non-polar.
long wave trough	A wave in the prevailing westerly flow aloft which is characterized by a large length and amplitude
growing season	the frost-free period of the year.
apron	(1) A platform, as of planking, at the entrance to a dock
pediment	(Geology) A broad, gently sloping rock surface at the base of a steeper slope, often covered with alluvium, formed primarily by erosion.
particulates	the mechanical process which removes particulate matter by separating water from solid material, by passing it through a filter such as sand in many water filtration plants.
snow course	A line laid out and permanently marked on a drainage area along which the snow is sampled at definite distances or stations
recharge	The processes involved in the addition of water to the zone of saturation; also the amount of water added.
sacrificial anode	An anode constructed of magnesium or other suitable material and placed in a water heater tank to accept the electrolytic activity and to protect the tank from corrosion.
critical velocity	Velocity at which a given discharge changes from tranquil to rapid flow; that velocity in open channels for which the specific energy (the sum of the depth and velocity head) is a minimum for a given discharge.
episodic	Term used to describe rainfall that occurs in single or multiple events, with no distinct pattern.
percolation	(1) The movement, under hydrostatic pressure, of water through the interstices of a rock or soil
pathogens	Organisms that can cause diseases - bacteria, viruses and worms.
drought	A continuous and lengthy period during which no significant precipitation is recorded.
mineral water	Contains large amounts of dissolved minerals such as calcium, sodium, magnesium, and iron
dioxins	Polychlorinated dibenzodioxins (PCDDs), a class of several chlorinated organic compounds, some of which are quite toxic to laboratory mice and rats, though not necessarily to humans.
water exports	The artificial transfer (pipes, canals, aqueducts, etc.) of water to one region or subregion from another region
neutron	an uncharged sub-atomic particle, with a mass nearly equal to that of a proton
cab	Paducah Citizens Advisory Board
recording gage	A Gage which provides a continuous recording of the parameter being monitored
heavy metals	Metals that have a density of 5.0 or higher and a high elemental weight
snowhedge	A planting of shrubs or other plants to intercept drifting snow
live stream	See Perennial stream.
urban	An area with an increased density of human-created structures in comparison to the areas surrounding it.
caudal	Referring to the tail.
hyphomycetes	A class of fungi.
stewardship	caring for the land and associated resources so that healthy ecosystems can be passed on to future generations.
riparian owner	One who owns land bounding upon a river or water course.
kame terrace	a terrace of stratified sand and and gravel deposited by streams between a glacier and an adjacent valley wall.
river flow model	A simulation, generally mathematical, of a river's or drainage basin's Hydrologic Cycle, through a series of mathematical equations quantifying system inflows and outflows
inflow	The entry of extraneous rainwater into a sewer system from sources other than infiltration, such as basement drains, sewer holes, storm drains, and street washing.
intake	The point where water enters a channel or pipe into a treatment plant.
faecal streptococci	Often used interchangeable with enterococci, but should indicate only one group of streptococci included in the total enterococci group.
breaker	(1) A small water cask
colloid	Very finely divided solid particles larger than molecules but small enough that they will not settle out of a solution; intermediate between a dissolved particle and a suspended solid which will settle out of solution
hypoxia	A condition of low dissolved oxygen in aquatic systems.
gage height	The height of the water surface above the gage datum (reference level)
results-based performance standards	typically define a maximum permissible disposal or impact threshold
connector system	Conveys water from a single source to a different location typically without intermediate collection of diversions
ground water	The water that occurs beneath the earth's surface between saturated soil and rock and that supplies wells and springs.
incised river	A river which cuts its channel through the bed of the valley floor, as opposed to one flowing on a floodplain; its channel formed by the process of degradation.
pollutant	(1) Something that pollutes, especially a waste material that contaminates air, soil, or water
suspended solids	organic and inorganic particles, such as solids from wastewater, sand, and clay, that are suspended and carried in water Tailings
water column	A hypothetical cylinder of water from the surface to the bottom of a stream, lake, or ocean within which the physical and/or chemical properties can be measured.
biome	Largest recognizable assemblage of animals and plants on the Earth
cooling tower	a device for cooling water through a combination of sensing and evaporative heat transfer
chocolatta north	A West Indian gale that blows from the northwest.
wetland restoration	Rehabilitation of previously existing wetland functions, from a more impaired to a less impaired or unimpaired state of overall function.
discharge measurement	Total discharge is equal to the cross-sectional area of the water in a channel or pipe times its average velocity.
outwash	a deposit of sand and gravel formed by streams of meltwater flowing from a glacier.
water solubility	the maximum possible concentration of a chemical compound dissolved in water.
bedrock	a general term used for solid rock that underlies soils or other unconsolidated material.
artesian	Describes underground water trapped under pressure between layers of impermeable rock
rainfall component	That part of the flow of a channel attributed to rain falling directly on the surface of the channel.
ultraviolet treatment	Disinfection using light waves having wavelengths of 200–300 nm.
elv	End-of-Life Vehicles
aboveground sewer	An unburied sewer (generally a sanitary sewer), supported on piers, pedestals or bents to provide a suitable grade line.
eddy	A circular current of water, usually resulting from an obstruction.
outwash	A deposit of sand and gravel formed by streams of meltwater flowing from a glacier and laid down in stratified deposits.
anistropic aquifer	an aquifer in which permeability varies with direction of flow
overbank flows	the component of an instream flow regime that represents infrequent, high flow events that exceed the normal channel
organic solvents	Substances in which an organic material will dissolve.
delta	A fan-shaped alluvial deposit at a river mouth formed by the deposition of successive layers of sediment.
radial flow	The flow of water in an aquifer toward a vertically oriented well.
channel modification	The modification of the flow characteristics of a channel by clearing, excavation, realignment, lining, or other means to increase its capacity
water bowser	A mobile water tank.
halocline	The boundary between surface fresh water and underlying saltwater in a stratified coastal environment
gross domestic product	The total market value of all goods and services produced in a country in a given year
canal	A constructed open channel for transporting water.
migration	the movement of oil, gas, contaminants, water, or other liquids through porous and permeable rock.
floc	A flocculent mass that is formed in the accumulation of suspended particles
infiltration gallery	A sub-surface groundwater collection system, typically shallow in depth, constructed with open-jointed or perforated pipes that discharge collected water into a watertight chamber from which the water is pumped to treatment facilities and into the distribution system
stress relief	heating to a suitable temperature, holding long enough to reduce residual stresses and then cooling slowly enough to minimize the development of new residual stresses.
endangered species	a species in danger of becoming extinct within all or part of its range
legionella	A series of bacteria, including legionella pneumophila, which can cause pneumonia-like illness called Legionnaires disease after the American Legion convention in Philadelphia where the disease first drew attention