Which action best reduces siltation in a reservoir?

Which action best reduces siltation in a reservoir?

• A. Installing a sediment trap, erosion
• B. Creating an artificial wetland, erosion
• C. Installing a sediment trap, siltation
• D. Creating an artificial wetland, siltation

Answer: (D)

Reducing siltation comes from limiting the amount of sediment that actually reaches the reservoir. Creating an artificial wetland slows runoff, allowing water to spread and flow more slowly. That slows erosion in the watershed and lets sediments settle out in the wetland itself. Plants, roots, and the wetland’s structure trap and stabilize particles, so less sediment makes it downstream to the reservoir. This approach tackles sediment delivery at the source and provides additional benefits like improved water quality and habitat, making it more effective over time than simply placing a sediment trap at the inlet.

Reducing siltation comes from limiting the amount of sediment that actually reaches the reservoir. Creating an artificial wetland slows runoff, allowing water to spread and flow more slowly. That slows erosion in the watershed and lets sediments settle out in the wetland itself. Plants, roots, and the wetland’s structure trap and stabilize particles, so less sediment makes it downstream to the reservoir. This approach tackles sediment delivery at the source and provides additional benefits like improved water quality and habitat, making it more effective over time than simply placing a sediment trap at the inlet.