headworks
Dam's control structure
Headworks refers to structures at the upstream end of a water system—the intake facilities where water first enters a canal, aqueduct, or treatment plant.
The term encompasses dams, gates, screens, and other control mechanisms that regulate flow: The city is upgrading its headworks to improve filtration.
In wastewater treatment, headworks is specifically the initial processing stage where large debris and grit are removed before water moves to later treatment phases.
Amount received or consumed
- weirLow river barrier
- headgateWater channel control barrier
- sluicegateAdjustable water barrier
- offtakePortion removed from source
Regulating movement or rate
- velocityDirected rate of motion
- turbulenceChaotic flow patterns
- streamflowRiver water's measured movement
- dischargeRelease of substance outward
afflux · backwater · freeboard · crest · ogee · nappe · tailwater · upstream
Dug water passage
- flumeConstructed water channel
- aqueductChannel conveying water distances
- watercourseChannel for flowing liquid
- distributionAllocation across recipients
Liquid refuse in drains
- effluentDischarged liquid waste
- sanitary sewerWastewater transport piping
- interceptorAircraft that intercepts threats
- overflowExceed capacity and spill
Evaluative selection process
- sedimentationParticles settling in liquid
- raw waterUntreated natural water source
- influentIncoming water flow
- pretreatmentPreparatory processing step
coagulation · flocculation · clarification · filtration · disinfection · chlorination · pumping station · equalization
intake
Amount received or consumed
- weirLow river barrier
- headgateWater channel control barrier
- sluicegateAdjustable water barrier
flow control
Regulating movement or rate
- velocityDirected rate of motion
- turbulenceChaotic flow patterns
- streamflowRiver water's measured movement
discharge · afflux · backwater · freeboard · crest · ogee · nappe · tailwater · upstream · downstream
canal
Dug water passage
- flumeConstructed water channel
- aqueductChannel conveying water distances
- watercourseChannel for flowing liquid
sewage
Liquid refuse in drains
- effluentDischarged liquid waste
- sanitary sewerWastewater transport piping
- interceptorAircraft that intercepts threats
overflow · odor control · scum · screenings
screening
Evaluative selection process
- sedimentationParticles settling in liquid
- raw waterUntreated natural water source
- influentIncoming water flow
pretreatment · coagulation · flocculation · clarification · filtration · disinfection · chlorination · pumping station · equalization