Turbidity tells us the concentration of suspended solids in water, such as soil, microbial life, and algae.  High turbidity often makes water a darker color than low turbidity.  A high turbidity level can result in higher water temperature from heat absorbed by the particles.  This can also reduce dissolved oxygen (DO) in the water because warm water holds less oxygen than cold water.  Both of these effects, among others, result in depleted habitat quality.  Turbidity can be influenced by erosion, urban runoff, and algae blooms from excessive nutrients.