inspired by the power of water

We could hear the rushing of fast water in the river Kent as we approached the Striklandgate footbridge this morning. There had been flood alerts issued over the weekend but now the river was abating, although still very high. I imagine the immediate danger of flooding is over now, but it must have brought back memories of the terrible Cumbrian floods in November 2009.

Only just over two weeks ago, we watched the river Wye, near Ross on Wye, flowing rapidly under the Kerne Bridge. It remained high all week. It was brown with mud, presumably washed from the fields....and yet, the river Kent ran clear. Is this because it flows from the hills, where the land has not been ploughed? I need some geographer to explain the difference. (or perhaps someone who knows Wales)