Sediments

Sediments make the water look “muddy.”

Key Facts

• Sediments occur naturally on the lake bottom.
• Sediments are carried into streams and our lake by stormwater.
• Sediments are one of the top three sources of pollution entering our streams and Torch Lake along with nutrients and toxins.
• Human actions can increase the amount of sediments or increase the size of particles entering the water. After land is cleared of trees, sediments are carried into the water.
• Sediments can help plants grow: algae grows on rocks and aquatic plants grow on the bottom.
• Too many sediments washing into the water can cover fish spawning areas and destroy habitat for minnows, crayfish and other aquatic animals.

 Did you know?

• Sediments consist of soil, sand, clay and, minerals. They occur when rocks are broken down by water, wind or ice. Decaying plants and organisms can be found in sediments.
• Sediments can be suspended in the water until they settle on the bottom of the lake.
• Sediments on the bottom are called “benthic” sediments.
• Sediments are transported by the movement of water. The greater the flow or force of water, the greater the distance that sediments are moved. The amount and size of the sediment particles will also be greater.

Sediment Transport