Clearing land for agriculture and urban growth often leads to water pollution. When soil is stripped of its protective vegetation it becomes prone to soil erosion. This leads to an increase in the murkiness of the water which can cause the following: 1  it can block the gills of fish; 2  bottom dwelling plants cannot photosynthesize as the sun’s rays cannot reach them; and. 3  there is an increase in disease as bacteria and viruses use the soil particles as a method of transportation.