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The Effects of Urbanization on Water Quality: Erosion and Sedimentation
Steve Tonn, Douglas/Sarpy Counties Extension Educator

The topography (lay of the land) of an Omaha Metro lake watershed can have a lot to do with how water resources are affected by development. Large-scale development means that a lot of land clearing and grading occurs. If the area has sloping land, soils that erode easily, and receives frequent periods of heavy rainfall, then water quality can be affected, usually in a negative way.

Eroded soil from construction sites is carried to streams and lakes where it causes (1) excess turbidity that harms aquatic life, increases water-treatment costs, and makes the water less useful for recreation; and (2) sedimentation that clogs drainage ditches, stream channels, water intakes, and reservoirs, and destroys aquatic habitat.

Erosion and sedimentation controls include a wide range of temporary and permanent measures. Planting vegetation is one of the best ways to stabilize soils and minimize erosion. Sediment ponds are used to capture storm runoff and allow sediment to settle to the pond’s bottom, and silt fences are used to contain water runoff and minimize sedimentation in nearby streams. Without proper design, installation, and maintenance of erosion and sedimentation controls, sediment-laden runoff from construction sites can damage streams, lakes and nearby properties.

Source: USGS Water Quality Information Sheet


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