A method to measure turbidity in water was studied to set limits on sediment near land-use areas. Turbidity readings can help if most of the turbidity comes from settleable solids and if a reliable meter is used. Water with turbidity over one JTU is mostly settleable solids. Different types of solids affect turbidity readings differently. Different turbidimeters gave significantly different readings on the same sample. Turbidity may not accurately measure suspended solids in water; measuring solids directly may be more accurate.