| Potable water | water that has been treated so that it is drinkable |
| Turbidity | turbulance in the water, churning in the water |
| Raw Water | untreated, water directly from the river |
| Treated Water | water that has been filtered, chlorinated and is ready for consuption (synonymous with potable) |
| Suspended Material | particles, sand, etc. that are contained in the water. Normally, the more turbid the water in the river, the more suspended material it will contain |
| Sludge | the suspended material in the water once separated from the water |
