What is the term used for wastewater originating from toilets or latrines?

The term used for wastewater originating from toilets or latrines is black water. This classification specifically refers to water that has been contaminated with fecal matter and urine, making it unsuitable for direct reuse or discharge without treatment. Black water contains pathogens and other harmful substances that can pose health risks, thus requiring careful handling and treatment before it can be released into the environment or reused.

Gray water, on the other hand, refers to wastewater from sources like sinks, showers, and washing machines, which does not contain significant amounts of human waste. Storm water is rainwater that runs off surfaces, and process water typically pertains to water used in industrial processes, which may not involve human waste. The distinction between these types of wastewater is crucial for proper treatment and management strategies in wastewater systems.