Bacteria (BACK-teer-ree-a): Bacteria are living organisms,
microscopic in size, which usually consist of a single cell. Most bacteria are harmless and very
important in the environment. Most bacteria use organic matter for their food and produce waste
products as a result of their life processes.
Baffles: Obstructions that check or deflect the flow of water.
Biological hazard: Biological hazards are any agents that cause infection
including, bacteria, viruses, fungi and parasites. An everyday example of a biological hazard is an outbreak
of colds or flu occurring in an office. A example with more serious consequences is the increasing incidence of
waterborne diseases, for example, when Cryptosporidium and Giardia are identified in water supply systems. Control
measures include identifying the hazard, assessing and controlling the risk and implementing a monitoring program.
Breakpoint chlorination: Addition
of chlorine to water until the chlorine demand has been satisfied. At
this point, further additions of chlorine will result in a free residual
chlorine that is directly proportional to the amount of chlorine added beyond
the breakpoint..
Buffer: A solution or liquid whose chemical
makeup neutralises acids or bases without a great change in pH.
Buffer capacity: A measure of the
capacity of a solution or liquid to neutralise acids or bases. This is
a measure of the capacity of water for offering a resistance to changes
in pH.