Total Suspended Solids (TSS) are solids in the water and can be trapped with a filter. TSS can include a wide variety of materials, such as sediment, decaying plants, animal matter, industrial wastes, and sewage. High concentrations of suspended sediment can cause problems for stream health and aquatic life. TSS concentrations vary by both physical and biological reasons.

Excessive amounts of sediment degrade the ecological health and aesthetics of the Minnesota River and its tributaries. Turbidity refers to water clarity. The greater amount of total suspended solids in the water, the murkier it appears and the higher the measured turbidity. This results in reduced light penetration that harms beneficial aquatic species and favors undesirable algae. An overabundance of algae further increases turbidity and compounds the problem. Fine-grained sediments that settle on stream beds cover desirable rock and gravel that form essential habitats for invertebrates and fish. During periods of high turbidity; streams take on a murky appearance, greatly reducing their appeal to people who enjoy boating, fishing, or swimming. (State of the Minnesota River Quality Summary 2000-2005).