What is the term for the surface water that receives the point source of discharge?

The term for surface water that receives the point source of discharge is known as "Receiving Waters." This designation refers to any body of water—such as rivers, lakes, and oceans—that takes in flow from a designated discharge point. In the context of stormwater management, understanding receiving waters is critical for evaluating the impacts of discharges, as they directly absorb potentially polluted water from industrial facilities and other sources.

Receiving waters are crucial in environmental assessments because any contaminants present in the discharges can affect the health of aquatic ecosystems and the quality of water for drinking or recreational purposes. Monitoring and regulating these waters ensure compliance with environmental standards and the protection of the ecosystem.

The other options, while relevant in discussions of water management, do not accurately define the specific concept of the body of water that receives direct discharge from a point source, making "Receiving Waters" the appropriate choice in this context.