What term describes the waters into which treated or reclaimed wastewater is discharged?

The correct term for the waters into which treated or reclaimed wastewater is discharged is generally referred to as "receiving water." This definition encompasses various types of water bodies such as rivers, lakes, or oceans that receive effluent from wastewater treatment processes after treatment has been completed. It is important to understand that receiving waters play a critical role in the overall water cycle and are integral to environmental health, as well as regulatory compliance.

Effluent, while closely related, specifically refers to the treated wastewater itself being discharged, and not the body of water receiving it. The other options, including collection system and disposal area, refer to different aspects of wastewater management. The collection system is involved in transporting wastewater to treatment facilities, while a disposal area generally implies a location where solid waste or certain types of sludge might be deposited, rather than the actual discharge of treated water. Thus, receiving water accurately reflects the context of where treated wastewater ultimately ends up.