While sediment usually represents soil material, it can be other material such as a by-product from a manufacturing process. Sediment movement is associated with water, wind, gravity and ice. Only that directly related to soil and water is considered here. Sediment is a product of erosion.
Erosion is common along roadsides and on both rural and urban construction sites.
There is increasing awareness of sedimentation problems because it affects water use in many ways. Suspended solids clog the gills of fish, cover spawning areas and reduce the amount of sunlight available to aquatic plants, therefore adversely affecting fish populations. Interest in sediments is also increasing because people are now aware of how rapidly sediment can accumulate in streams, ditches and culverts. Many are now aware of the shortened economic life of lake property, farm ponds and water reservoirs. Some have had experiences with plugged filters, damaged pumping equipment and sprinkler nozzles.