A method is provided for the artificial erosion of dammed bodies of water, wherein an average grain size distribution of sediments in the dammed body of water is determined across the ground surface of the dammed body of water. A sediment requirement for downstream water is determined, and as a result, at least one displacement of the sediments in the dammed body of water into the downstream water takes place in accordance with the sediment requirements for the downstream water. Advantageously, requirements regarding at least the quantity and grain size of the sediment for the downstream water are determined.