The conversion of organic matter to methane, carbon dioxide and other molecules by anaerobic bacteria.

Iron that is oxidized in water and is visible. Also called red water iron.

Iron that is dissolved in water. Also called clear water iron.

The permeable material that separates solids from liquids passing through it.

A liquid that has passed through the filter medium.

Separation of a solid and a liquid by using a porous substance that only lets the liquid pass through.

The water that comes out when a tap is first opened. It is likely that is has the highest level of lead contamination from weathering of pipelines.

Reproduction of microrganisms by means of cell division.

A flocculent mass that is formed in the accumulation of suspended particles. It can occur naturally, but is usually induced in order to be able to remove certain particles from wastewater.

The accumulation of destabilized particles and micro flakes, and subsequently the formation of sizeable flakes. One must ad another chemical called flocculent in order to facilitate the formation of flakes called flocs.

The flat or nearly flat land along a river or stream that is covered by water during a flood.

A solids-liquid or liquid-liquid separation procedure, which is applied to particles of which the density is lower than that of the liquid they are in. there are three types: natural, aided and induces flotation.

The discharge rate of a resource, expressed in volume during a certain period of time.

The addition of water to meet flow needs.

The rate at which a Reverse Osmosis Membrane allows water to pass through it.

The deposition of organic matter on the membrane surface, which causes inefficiencies.

The subdivision of a solid in fragments. The fragments will then adhere to the nearest surface.

The change of a liquid into a solid as temperature decreases. For water, the freezing point is 0 degrees Celsius.

Water containing less than 1 mg/l of dissolved solids of any type.