The present invention relates to methods of controlling contaminant flow into a water reservoir, reducing bacterial counts in a water reservoir, and reducing a count of dissolved constituents in a water reservoir, which methods include installing within a reservoir, about an inlet thereof, a boom comprising a support system and a curtain connected to the support system, the curtain being formed of a flexible fabric that allows movement of water therethrough and the curtain having a lower end and an upper end, the boom defining an artificial settling pond into which water, dissolved constituents and particulate matter from the inlet enters. The installation allows for settling of particulate matter larger than a minimum size and consumption of organic materials and dissolved constituents by aquatic vegetative flora and/or bacteria within the artificial settling pond.