What does the term "effluent" mean in wastewater management?

In the context of wastewater management, "effluent" specifically refers to the treated water that is discharged from a wastewater treatment facility after it has undergone a series of treatment processes. This water has been processed to remove contaminants and meets regulatory standards for discharge into water bodies or for reuse purposes. Effluent can also be monitored for various parameters to ensure it is safe for the environment, which makes it a critical component of wastewater treatment systems.

The other definitions do not align with the commercial and environmental standards associated with effluent. Untreated water entering a facility is commonly known as influent, while the gases released during treatment typically pertain to processes such as anaerobic digestion, and sludge refers to the residual solids removed during the clarification phase of treatment. Thus, effluent specifically denotes the final treated water ready for release or reuse.