Overview
ISO 6107:2021, "Water quality - Vocabulary," is an international vocabulary standard published by ISO/TC 147 (Water quality). This consolidated first edition replaces the earlier multipart series (ISO 6107‑1 to ISO 6107‑8) and defines terms used in selected fields of water quality characterization. The standard harmonizes terminology across disciplines such as chemistry, microbiology and ecotoxicology to reduce variation in interpretation and to support consistent application of water quality standards, testing and reporting.
Key Topics
- Scope and structure: Provides authoritative definitions and notes for terms that appear in ISO/TC 147 water quality standards. The document lists terms alphabetically with domain indicators (e.g., chemistry, microbiology) where applicable.
- Representative entries: Examples include terms such as abiotic degradation, salinity (absolute), activated sludge, activated carbon treatment, alkalinity, aquifer, sampling methods (integrative and profile samples), accuracy, and anoxic/anaerobic conditions.
- Terminology management: Obsoleted or out‑of‑scope terms were removed; many entries were revised to align with subject‑specific usage (microbiology, chemistry, ecotoxicology). Sources are cited where available to aid traceability.
- Supporting resources: References to terminology databases (ISO Online Browsing Platform and IEC Electropedia) and a bibliography are included. The standard contains no normative references.
Applications
ISO 6107:2021 is a practical reference for anyone who needs clear, standardized water quality terminology:
- Water utilities and treatment plant operators - for consistent reporting and operational documentation (e.g., activated sludge, aeration, filtration).
- Environmental laboratories and analysts - to ensure consistent test method descriptions, units and analyte definitions across chemistry and microbiology.
- Regulators and policy makers - to harmonize regulatory language, monitoring programs and compliance criteria.
- Consultants, researchers and standards committees - to align technical documents, protocols and scientific publications with internationally accepted definitions.
Using ISO 6107 improves clarity in contracts, test reports, environmental impact assessments and international collaboration on water quality issues.
Related standards
- ISO/TC 147 - committee responsible for water quality standards and terminology.
- ISO 13843 - referenced in relation to microbiology terminology.
- Terminology platforms: ISO Online Browsing Platform (OBP) and IEC Electropedia for cross‑reference and updates.
Keywords: ISO 6107:2021, water quality vocabulary, water quality terminology, ISO water quality, water quality definitions, activated sludge, aquifer, sampling methods.