Data's true but distorted when wet (9)

I believe the answer is:

saturated

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'wet' is the definition.
(similar in meaning)

'data's true but distorted' is the wordplay.
'data's true' can be anagrammed to 'SATURATED'.
However, I'm not clear how this is indicated.

'when' acts as a link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for saturated that I've seen before include "Such fat as may cause disease" , "Drenched" , "Sodden" , "Extremely wet" , "Thoroughly soaked" .)

I've seen this clue in the Sydney Morning Herald.

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