ELI5: Explain Like I'm 5

Effluent

Effluent is a word used to describe water that has been used for something and then released back into the environment. For example, when you flush the toilet in your house, the water that comes out of the toilet is effluent. It is this water that has been used for flushing and then released. Effluent can sometimes contain chemicals, so it is important to keep it away from animals and plants.