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Vapor: The gaseous phase
of substances that are liquid or solid at atmospheric temperature and pressure,
e.g., steam.
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Vaporize: Conversion of
a liquid into vapor.
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Venturi: A channel that
serves the measurement of water flows.
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Vested water
right: The right
granted by a state water agency to use either surface or ground water.
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Virgin flow: The streamflow
which exists or would exist if man had not modified the conditions on or along
the stream or in the drainage basin.
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Viruses: The smallest
life forms known, that are not cellular in nature. They live inside the cells
of animals, plants and bacteria and often cause disease. They are made up of
a chromosome surrounded by a protein shell.
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Viscosity: The syrupiness
of water and it determines the mobility of the water. When the temperature rises,
the viscosity degrades; this means that water will be more mobile at higher
temperatures.
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VOC: Volatile Organic
Compound. Synthetic organic compounds which easily vaporize and are often carcinogenic.
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Void: The pore space
or other openings in rock. The openings can be very small to cave size and are
filled with water below the water table.
