Glossary
Plan smart, shop smart, be smart -- know your water wise terms.
Aquifer ~ A permeable layer of rock or unconsolidated material such as sand, gravel, silt or clay that contains water.
Artesian well ~ A well drilled into an aquifer that has enough pressure to push the water to the surface unaided.
Blackwater ~ Waste water that has been contaminated with sewage. Unlike greywater, blackwater is not suitable for domestic reuse.
Cistern ~ A tank used to catch and store water for domestic use. Cisterns can be located above or below ground.
First-flush device ~ Used as part of a rainwater catchment system, a first-flush device diverts the initial flow of rainwater run-off away from the water collection tank or cistern. This device helps to keep pollutants out of the system using flow-rate as the means of diversion. This method is considered superior to roof washers (see below) for protecting water that is to be stored for human consumption.
Greywater ~ Waste water from kitchen appliances, sinks, showers and laundry (except water from toilets) that is reused for other purposes such as landscape irrigation.
Groundwater ~ Water naturally stored beneath the Earth's surface in underground aquifers and streams. Groundwater supplies wells and springs.
PVC (polyvinyl chloride) ~ PVC is a family of plastics derived from vinyl choride. PVC tubing is used extensively in residential construction, primarily for water supply lines and underground sprinkler systems. It's very easy to work with, can be cut with a hacksaw and welded with solvent. The use of PVC remains controversial, however, as its manufacture and incineration can create dioxins, which are known human carcinogens.
Rain barrel ~ A barrel used as a cistern to catch and hold water. A rain barrel is typically placed beneath a downspout that has been modified to empty rainwater from a house roof into the barrel. Rain barrels can be purchased specifically for this purpose, typically outfitted with screens to filter out debris and valves that allow hookup to a garden hose. Couplings are also sold that can attach one barrel to another for extra rainwater storage. They can also be fabricated inexpensively from a variety of reclaimed barrels.
Rainwater catchment ~ A system for collecting and storing rainwater and snow melt that typically involves channelling roof runoff into rainbarrels, watertanks or cisterns for use for drinking and/or irrigation, and a method of diverting the first flow from a rainfall to eliminate pollutants from the system (called a "first-flush" device). Rainwater catchment is also called rainwater harvesting and rainwater collection.
Roof washer ~ A container for collecting the first flush of rainwater from a roof on the premise that the first volume of rain after a dry spell will be washing collected pollutants off the roof. While still used, roof washers are considered inadequate by many if the water being harvested from a roof is intented for human consumption or even use on fruit and vegetable plots. Varying amounts of water are required to carry away different types of pollutants which can include, depending on location, seaside salt deposits, crop-dust drift, creosote from a fireplace or woodstove, dust, pollen and other natural and manmade particulates. Some experts are now recommending the alternative use of a first-flush device, which does the same thing but works on a different principle, using flow-rate as the means of diversion.
Strategic Gardening ~ A methodology for growing fruits and vegetables in arid climates.
Subsidence ~ Sinking or settling of the soil, either gradually or abruptly, which can occur from natural or man-made causes. Soil subsidence can occur naturally in areas where water travels through subsurface limestone (the water gradually erodes the limestone). Subsidence can also occur over time in areas where groundwater is continually pumped from thr ground faster than the rate at which the ground can naturally recharge. Subsidence can also occur because of mining activities and the pumping of petroleum. Subsidence is virtually irreversible.
Sustainability ~ As defined by the World Commission on the Environment and Development, "meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs."
Toilet, Dual-flush ~ A toilet that conserves water by the use of two-different settings, one that uses less water for liquid waste removal, and another that uses more water for solid waste removal.
Toilet, Macerating ~ A toilet that uses a rapidly rotating cutting blade to liquefy human waste and toilet paper. The waste is then mixed with flushing water and pumped into a sanitary sewer or septic system as a fine slurry. Macerating toilets are used where a conventional gravity flow installation is not workable, such as where the main drainpipe is too far away or the toilet will be situated below the drain line (i.e. garages, basements). Macerating toilets use very little water (less than 2 gallons) per flush.
Xeriscaping ~ A style of landscaping that utilizes climate-appropriate plants and very little supplemental water. The term "xeriscape," is a registered trademark of the City of Denver waterboard. Other terms for a water-conservative approach to landscaping include "drought-tolerant" landscaping, "smart-scaping," and "zeroscaping." Xeriscaping is most often associated with permanently arid climates like the Southwest but is gaining popularity elsewhere, in parts of the country now affected by drought.
