Excess sediment that is suspended in streams and rivers acts like sandpaper on fish and other organisms. Suspended sediment can also abrade the tissues of plants that live in the water. Sediment in water bodies can clog the gills of fish and other organisms that have gills, making breathing difficult. Sediment reduces light penetration, making photosynthesis more difficult for water plants. While blocking light penetration, the soil particles absorb the heat from sunlight and later release it, thereby raising the temperature of the water and driving off desirable fish populations.
Excess sediments build up in lakes and rivers.
This raises the water level but reduces water depth, which decreases canoeing and fishing opportunities. Economic Reasons Excess sediment can increase the cost of treating drinking water and negatively affect the equipment used in the drinking water treatment process. This increases the cost of treating drinking water. Developing sites with good erosion control management and planning avoid additional costs of sediment removal from storm water structures and the attendant liabilities. Clean sites are more appealing to potential buyers.