How is 'effluent' defined in water systems operations?

Effluent is defined as the water or liquid that flows out of a treatment process. In the context of water systems operations, effluent typically refers to treated or partially treated water that is discharged from wastewater treatment facilities or industrial processes. This water can be returned to the environment, discharged into receiving waters like rivers or oceans, or, in some cases, reused for irrigation or other purposes.

Understanding this definition is crucial for environmental specialists and sanitarians as it relates to the management of wastewater and the importance of ensuring that effluent meets safety and quality standards to protect public health and the environment. The treatment process is designed to remove contaminants from the water, and monitoring the quality of effluent is a key component of water quality management.