Which term refers to the natural body of water receiving treated or reclaimed wastewater?

The term that refers to the natural body of water receiving treated or reclaimed wastewater is known as "Receiving Water." This designation is used in the context of wastewater treatment because it describes the environment that ultimately receives effluent from treatment facilities. Receiving waters can be rivers, lakes, or oceans, and they play a crucial role in dilution, nutrient cycling, and further natural processing of wastewater.

Understanding the function of receiving water is essential for evaluating the impact of discharged treated wastewater on the ecosystem. The characteristics of receiving water—such as flow rates, temperature, and water quality—can significantly influence how treated effluent integrates and affects the aquatic environment.

In contrast, terms like "Discharge Basin" and "Treatment Reservoir" do not accurately represent the natural systems that take in treated wastewater. A "Waterbody Outlet" may suggest a point where water exits a natural body, but it does not encapsulate the concept of receiving the water in a broader ecological context. This is why "Receiving Water" is the most appropriate term in relation to wastewater treatment processes.