• The temperature difference parameter in ZDHC Wastewater and Sludge Guidelines is only applicable to those facilities that are directly discharging the treated effluent to an upstream receiving water body. Where effluent is discharged directly to the ground, in a municipal sewer or another environment, the temperature is not to be evaluated. The sampler must confirm that the discharge is made to an upstream water body during the site visit to sample the wastewater.
  • Where the receiving body is inaccessible,
    • The sampler's own safety is at risk
    • Equipment is at risk of damage
    • The upstream receiving body is located far away from the facility (e.g. a pipeline from the facility that goes several kilometres into the sea)
    • The effluent is discharged directly into the ground.

Then the sampler should measure and report temperature absolute in the EDR.

In both the above cases, while generating EDR, the laboratory representative will need to answer the question about the temperature difference and then upload the proof regarding why the receiving body is not accessible.

The samping point for temperature absolute is at the location at which discharged wastewater (effluent) exits a facility’s boundary and is released into an external environment or designated channel.