Massachusetts Soil Evaluator Practice Test 2026 – The All-In-One Guide to Exam Success!

Effluent is the liquid waste that leaves a wastewater system and is discharged into a surface water body such as a river, lake, or ocean. After treatment, the water that is released is called effluent, and it is regulated to meet water quality standards to protect the receiving water. This distinguishes it from solid waste in a tank (solids or sludge that remains), gas from wastewater (biogas like methane), and drinking water (water treated to potable standards for people to use).