Terraces are constructed to follow the contour of the land and to enable rain and snow water to remain on the land rather than run down slopes and cause soil erosion. Terraces are a conservation practice to keep soil and water on the land. An earthen construction which is built to carry water off the land without losing soil or cutting ditches. Waterways catch the water run-off and direct it to the bottom of the slopes where it goes into ponds, creeks or eventually makes its way to a river. The waterways are usually grassed to catch any silt that accompanies rainwater or snow melt.
Waterways are an important component of a terracing system and soil conservation plans.