Erosion reduces the productivity of the land and increases management costs.
Sediment impairs the quality and use of the waters of the State. The efficiency and effectiveness of public water supply and industrial treatment processes are reduced, and the costs of treatments are increased. The accumulation of sediment in reservoirs may greatly reduce water storage capacity. The safe use of water bodies for recreational activities is impaired by high sediment loads. Sediment fills navigation channels in rivers and harbors, hindering boat traffic and increasing the need for dredging.