Fundamental Definitions in Waste Water Engineering

Refuse:

(Solid + liquid + Semisolid) All the material that is wasted.

Garbage:

Dry refuse, organic in nature.
E.g: Vegetables, Grass, Sweepings, etc.

Rubbish:

Dry waste from office, residences, inorganic in nature. It is combustible. E.g: Paper, Rags, etc.

Sewage:

It's a liquid waste of domestic or Industrial origin. Foul in nature. Consists of 99.9% water. Domestic and industrial sewage are collectively called sanitary sewage.

Sullage:

Wastewater from bathrooms, Washbasins, Kitchens. Less foul in nature.

Storm Water:

The run-off from roads, buildings and other catchment areas. Generally called "Storm drainage' or "Drainage'.

D.W.F:

Dry weather flow i.e. normal flow available in any season. It is due to 'Sanitary sewage'. D.W.F is generally 1/20th to 1/25h of max flow during monsoon.

Sewer:

A pipe carrying sewage.

Sewerage:

The process of 'collection + conveyance of sewage.