While farmers do not intend for these materials to move from the field or enterprise, they often do, carried by rainfall, snowmelt, or irrigation water. Disturbing the soil through tillage and cultivation and leaving it without vegetative cover may increase the rate of soil erosion. Dislocated soil particles can be carried in runoff water and eventually reach surface waters, including streams, rivers, lakes, reservoirs, and wetlands.
Sediment causes various damage to water resources and to water users.
Accelerated reservoir siltation reduces the useful life of reservoirs. Sediment can clog roadside ditches and irrigation canals, block navigation channels, and increase dredging costs. By raising streambeds and burying streamside wetlands, sediment increases the probability and severity of floods. Suspended sediment can increase the cost of water treatment for municipal and industrial water uses. Sediment can also destroy or degrade aquatic wildlife habitat, reducing diversity and damaging commercial and recreational fisheries.