It could also result in smelly, unpleasant algal blooms.

Natural sediment can cause the waterway to become shallow and swampy and eventually dry up as part of the natural process. Even natural sediment must be dredged if you want to keep the waterway in good condition. If the debris involves toxic or otherwise damaging materials that humans have left behind, dredging can remove these substances and keep them from harming the wildlife. It could also come from human-made debris such as construction materials and refuse. This sediment could come in the form of natural materials, like soil, rocks, clay and plant or animal matter. Why Dredging Waterways Is CrucialĮvery waterway follows a natural process, collecting sediment and changing its characteristics.

Let’s look a little closer at dredging and how it affects these different types of waterways. While they all need dredging, the process looks a little different for each type of waterway. Rivers, ponds, lakes and even beaches need to be dredged to retain their appearance, prevent algae problems and support more wildlife. Dredging is a significant part of waterway care for just about every body of water. From golf courses and national parks to homeowner’s associations and local governments, those in charge of waterways need to incorporate dredging in regular maintenance.

Dredged it up