Sediment in water not only makes it unpleasant to drink or to use; sediment also harbors potentially dangerous microorganisms and protects them from the action of chlorine or other disinfectants that may be added to the water.
Recent concerns about surface water quality near agricultural production areas have stimulated interest in “best management practices” to reduce the risk of off-site sediment, pesticide, and nutrient movement. Vegetative filter
strips can be one component of an integrated management system to reduce these risks.