Sediment is a major problem, especially in areas of rapid growth where many construction activities are taking place. Sediments cause problems by stopping light from penetrating in water, covering breeding grounds, filling in channels, and decreasing the storage capacity of lakes. By stopping light from penetrating into water, sediments harm aquatic plants that are necessary for other aquatic organisms, like fish. Sediments can also cover optimal breeding grounds for fish.
When seediness fills in a channel, the water runs in other directions, often leading to floods. Every stream and river in the Denton County empties into a lake. Once the water enters a lake it slows down, the reduced speed allows sediments to stop flowing with the water and fall to the bottom of the lake.
Over time this built up of sediments leads to shallower water. In a free-market economy, when a resource is depleted and demand continues to increase the price will increase as well. Dredging excess sediment from a lake is also a very expensive venture. So it is important that we work hard to keep sediments out.