Water Glossary: D

delta	Fan-shaped area at the mouth of a river.
deposition	The process of dropping or getting rid of sediments by an erosional agent such as a river or glacier; also called sedimentation.
desalination	The process of removing salt from seawater or brackish water.
detergent	A synthetic cleansing agent resembling soap; has the ability to emulsify oil and remove dirt; contains surfactants that do not precipitate in hard water
discharge	The amount of water flowing past a location in a stream/river in a certain amount of time — usually expressed in liters per second or gallons per minute.
disinfectant	An agent that destroys or inactivates harmful microorganisms.
disinfection by-product (DBP)	A chemical by-product of the disinfection process. Disinfection by-products are formed by the reaction of the disinfectant, natural organic matter, and the bromide ion (Br-). Some disinfection by-products are formed through halogen (e.g., chlorine or bromine) substitution reactions; i.e., halogen-substituted by-products are produced. Other disinfection by-products are oxidation by-products of natural organic matter (e.g., aldehydes—RCHO). Concentrations are typically in the microgram-per-litre or nanogram per-litre range.*
disinfection by-product precursor (DBPP)	A substance that can be converted into a disinfection by-product during disinfection. Typically, most of these precursors are constituents of natural organic matter. In addition, the bromide ion (Br-) is a precursor material. See also bromide; disinfection by-product; natural organic matter.*
drought	A prolonged period of below-average precipitation.
dWR	California Department of Water Resources. Guides development and management of California's water resources; owns and operates State Water Project and other water-development facilities.
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