A water inlet protection system and apparatus for removing sediment and/or chemical from water or other fluids is provided. The system may include a filtration material that is configured to be water permeable and to collect sediment within the water. The system may be configured to be removably secured to various types of storm drains or water inlets. The system may include a frame configured to be removably attached to a storm grate. The frame may also include a plurality of tabs extending from the frame and be slidably adjustable. The system may also include an s-clip member or magnets for removably securing the filtration material to a storm drain or water inlet. Furthermore, the water inlet protection system may include one or more over-flow protection openings. The over-flow protection openings may include a raised member or barrier to regulate the water level where over-flow occurs.