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Glossary

CEQA (California Environmental Quality Act) – State law that requires state, local, and other agencies to evaluate the environmental implications of their actions.

CTR (California Toxics Rule) – Federal regulation setting water quality criteria (limits) for heavy metals and other toxic compounds for the protection of beneficial uses of surface waters in California.

Environmental Impact Report (EIR) – A report required by the California Environmental Quality Act to describe the environmental impact of a proposed project.

EIR Certification – EIR adoption by a governing agency accepting the document as being complete and adequate according to the California Environmental Quality Act.

General Plan – Required by State law, a General Plan is commonly referred to as a “blueprint” for where, how much and the type of growth planned for the future.

Graywater – Water that has been used for showering, clothes washing, and faucet uses. Kitchen sink and toilet water are excluded.

Infrastructure – Physical structures that form the foundation for development. Infrastructure includes: wastewater and water works, electric power, communications, transit and transportation facilities, and oil and gas pipelines and associated facilities.

MG – million gallons

Master Plan – A comprehensive plan to guide the long-term physical development of a particular area.

SFBWQCB (San Francisco Bay Regional Water Quality Control Board) – Regulating agency for water quality issues in this area.

NPDES (The National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System Permit) – Controls water pollution by regulating point sources that discharge pollutants into waters of the United States.

Reclamation – The operation or process of changing the condition or characteristics of wastewater so that additional uses of the water can be achieved.

Recycled Water – The California Water Code defines recycled water as "water which, as a result of treatment of waste, is suitable for a direct beneficial use or a controlled use that would not otherwise occur." Regulations allow water managers to match water quality to specific reuse applications. This reduces the amount of fresh water required for non-potable uses, ensuring that the best and purest sources of water will be reserved for public drinking water.

Tertiary (or Advanced Water) Treatment – Removes specific contaminants to meet California’s standard for unrestricted use of recycled water. Usually the process occurs after secondary and primary treatments.

Title 22 – The California Department of Health Services establishes water and treatment reliability criteria for water recycling under Title 22, Chapter 4, of the California Code of Regulations.

Wastewater – The used water and solids that flow to a treatment plant. Storm water, surface water and groundwater infiltration also may be included in the wastewater that enters a plant.