What is the term for water flowing from a treatment plant?

The term that refers to water flowing from a treatment plant is "effluent." In the context of wastewater treatment facilities, effluent specifically denotes the treated water that is discharged from the plant after it has undergone processing and purification. This water may be released into a nearby body of water, used for irrigation, or subjected to further treatment, depending on regulations and the quality of the effluent.

Understanding the role of effluent is crucial for wastewater management, as it is a significant aspect of assessing the environmental impact of treatment operations. On the other hand, influent refers to the raw wastewater entering the treatment facility, while water inflow might refer to other forms of water entering a system, but not specifically the treated outflow. Drainage typically pertains to the removal of excess water from an area but is not used in the context of a treatment plant's discharged water. Thus, recognizing "effluent" accurately captures the concept of treated water exiting a facility.