Glossary beginning with C
terms for which definitions are available
- 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)