Sediment in the water refers to any particles, such as sand, silt, clay and dirt, that are suspended in water, entering from a natural source such as erosion, or from human activities like construction, mining, and agriculture. High levels of sediment can make water cloudy, decrease water quality and make it difficult to treat for drinking purposes. Sediment can also clog pipes and cause damage to infrastructure, which can lead to costly repairs and be problematic to human health.