Glossary

terms for which definitions are available

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Click one of the letters above to be taken to a page of all terms beginning with that letter.
catchment

the area of land that drains to a particular body of water or site on a waterbody; also see 'drainage area'

CCR

Comprehensive Characterization Report

channelization

the process of modifying the natural course of a stream in order to make it flow into or along a restricted path

cistern

an underground reservoir or tank for storing rainwater

coliform

of or relating to the bacilli (bacteria) that inhabit the intestines of warm-blooded animals

conveyance

a facility or structure used for the transportation or transmission of something from one place to another

CSO

combined sewer overflow

CSS

combined sewer system

culvert

a metal, concrete, or plastic pipe that allows water to flow under a road or any other obstruction

CWA

Clean Water Act; a federal amendment that authorizes EPA to implement pollution control programs and set water quality standards for all contaminants in surface waters
“The Act made it unlawful for any person to discharge any pollutant from a point source into navigable waters, unless a permit was obtained under its provisions. It also funded the construction of sewage treatment plants under the construction grants program and recognized the need for planning to address the critical problems posed by nonpoint source pollution.” (Envoronmental Protection Agency website)