Georgia Septic Installer Practice Test

What is the term for wastewater that comes in direct contact with human excreta?

1. Gray water

2. Black water

3. Sewage effluent

4. Drainage

The correct answer is: Black water

The term for wastewater that comes in direct contact with human excreta is black water. This category of wastewater includes any water from toilets and similar sources, which may contain pathogens, bacteria, and organic matter due to its contact with human waste. Understanding the distinction between different types of wastewater is crucial for proper septic system design and management. Gray water, on the other hand, refers to wastewater generated from sources like sinks, showers, and washing machines, which typically does not carry significant levels of contaminants related to human fecal matter. Sewage effluent generally encompasses the discharge from a septic system after the treatment process, but it may not directly refer to the raw waste containing human waste. Lastly, drainage usually refers to water runoff or removal from an area, rather than specifically relating to human waste. Thus, black water is the correct term to describe wastewater that interacts with human excreta.