The second case, in particular, merits careful consideration due to the significant practical implications. This situation usually happens downstream of a dam impoundment. The dam ponds the water and retains most of the sediment. The water subsequently released is typically almost devoid of sediment; therefore, it is "hungry water." This water will have the tendency to pick up sediment as it moves downstream.1

The "hungry water" condition is exacerbated in the case of a sediment-retention basin. Holding on to the sediment behind the dam and releasing the water immediately, without the sediment, will produce channel and bank erosion downstream. Depending on the rate of water release, the amount of erosion will be commensurate with the quantity of sediment retained at the basin. Thus, a sediment-retention basin is generally not an effective strategy for sediment control in natural streams.

Хотелось бы узнать в этом контексте hungry water значит обессоленная вода?
мне дали перевести словосочетание water-hungry , при этом сказали ,что оно не переводится как жаждущий воды. Нужно найти все другие значения слова. нашел только "обессоленная вода" на http://www.multitran.ru/c/m.exe?a=3&s=water-hungry&sc=656&l1=1&l2=2