TS EN 16323

TS EN 16323 is a glossary standard that establishes a common technical language for wastewater engineering. It harmonizes and defines general terms used across the connected processes of wastewater collection, transport, treatment, discharge and reuse, as well as sludge treatment, utilisation and disposal.

Why common terminology matters in wastewater systems

Wastewater engineering spans sewer networks, treatment plants, sludge processing and the options for final discharge or reuse. In practice, the same word may be understood differently by different organisations, disciplines or countries, so standardised terminology improves clarity in design, operation, reporting and technical communication. In general technical terms, it helps align the concepts behind collection, conveyance, treatment and sludge management within one shared framework.

Technical areas covered by the glossary

• General terms related to wastewater collection and conveyance
• Core concepts used in treatment and discharge processes
• Terminology associated with wastewater reuse
• Expressions concerning sludge treatment, utilisation and disposal

This document is a terminology standard rather than a method standard, so it does not prescribe a specific plant design, calculation procedure or performance limit. Instead, it aligns the meanings of terms used in wastewater engineering, helping different standards, reports and technical documents speak the same language. As such, it serves as a conceptual reference for professionals working in environmental engineering, municipal infrastructure and water management.