Humankind has been attracted to rivers, creeks, and streams since the dawn of time. Early humans across the planet depended on proximity to water sources for drinking and irrigation. Communities were built along banks, using the flowing water for transportation, energy production, and industry. To this day, many of the world’s major cities lie along the banks of major rivers.

The impact humans have on rivers isn’t all beneficial, however. For at least a century, rivers have served as dumping grounds for human and industrial waste, been dammed, and made subject to industrial agriculture runoff. Increased tile drainage (from underground pipes installed to drain soil water) and changing weather patterns have increased the severity and frequency of flooding in many major river systems. Despite this, a quick scroll through real-estate listings of land near rivers will almost always turn up the most expensive properties and expansive homes right next to the water. Rivers still attract human habitation in the face of increasing flood risk.

The Dynamics of Erosion Erosion along rivers, creeks, and streams is a natural process. In my career in conservation, I’ve had many speaking engagements. I tell audiences that nature is dynamic and always changing. Human nature, as it is, wants things to stay the same, thus creating a dichotomy.