P

Palatable water

Water that is pleasant to drink (2)

Parameter

Any measurable factor (9)

Pathogenic

Disease-causing (1)

Percolated

Passed through a porous material or through small holes (3)

Permeable rocks

Rocks that allow water and other liquids to pass through them (3)

Photosynthesis

Process by which plants convert light energy into chemical energy using carbon dioxide from the air and producing oxygen (4)

Phytoplankton

Microscopic plants that live in water (12)

Point source of pollution

An identifiable source of pollution (4)

Pollutants

Substances that can cause harm to human health, plants, animals and the environment in general (4)

Pollution

Introduction into the environment of substances likely to cause harm to humans, animals, plants and the environment in general (4)

Potable water

See safe drinking water (2)

Pre-chlorination

Chlorination before the main treatment stages of the water purification process (5)

Precipitation

Any form of water that falls on the earth’s surface (rain, snow, hail) (3)

Proactive leakage control

Taking action to prevent leaks in water pipes from occurring (7)

Protected water sources

Water sources that have structures to prevent the entry of contaminants (3)

Protozoa

Single-celled micro-organisms much larger than bacteria (2)

Public–private partnership

Collaboration between a public body and a private company (15)