Cloudy water also does something else to disturb aquatic life - it absorbs heat. The increased suspended solids absorb heat energy from the sun, raising the temperature of the stream. With a rise in temperature comes a decrease in dissolved oxygen. Aquatic life may not be able to tolerate the change in temperature and dissolved oxygen levels and may become inactive, unhealthy, or even die. Review the Temperature and Dissolved Oxygen Information Sheets for more information about how those parameters affect aquatic life.
Cloudy water can frustrate another animal - humans.
When it comes to drinking water, we prefer sparkling clear water. Water authorities have an easier job of disinfecting and providing us with clear water if the source of water was clear to begin with. If the source water is turbid, water engineers must begin treatment with removing the fine solids. Then they can disinfect it and send it to our faucets. Humans also find clear bodies of water more aesthetically pleasing for recreation, vacationing, and wildlife viewing.