The sediment can move by wind or, most commonly, water onto adjoining land or into our streams and rivers. This movement into rivers and streams is a significant source of water pollution. If erosion is controlled, sediment does not travel. Therefore, by controlling erosion we can greatly improve the quality of our water. Erosion is a natural process and its natural occurrence creates mountains, flatlands, and coastal regions.
Natural erosion occurs slowly and in a uniform manner.
Accelerated erosion causes too much sediment to enter our rivers and streams. Humans, through land-disturbing activities, accelerate erosion. For example, clearing, grading, dredging, filling, transporting and excavating are land-disturbing activities. When excessive eroded dirt enters a stream, the stream becomes sedimented. This means that the stream is overloaded with silt and clay, giving the water a murky, cloudy look.