Castaic Creek facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Castaic Creek |
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Castaic Lake, with Castaic Lagoon and lower Castaic Creek in center-right side.
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| Country | United States |
| State | California |
| Region | Los Angeles County |
| Physical characteristics | |
| Main source | Lake Hughes |
| River mouth | confluence with Santa Clara River at Castaic Junction |
| Length | 25 mi (40 km) |
| Basin features | |
| River system | Santa Clara River |
Castaic Creek is a stream about 25 miles (40 kilometers) long. It flows through the Sierra Pelona Mountains in northeastern Los Angeles County, California. This creek is a branch of the larger Santa Clara River.
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Castaic Lake: A Big Water Storage
Castaic Creek is home to the Castaic Dam, which creates the large Castaic Lake. This lake is very important for storing water. Most of the water in Castaic Lake actually comes from a huge system called the West Branch California Aqueduct. This aqueduct is part of the California State Water Project, which moves water all over California.
How Water Gets to the Lake
Castaic Lake is the end point for the west branch of the aqueduct. Water travels to Castaic Lake through a pipeline from another lake called Pyramid Lake. The lake can hold a massive amount of water, about 323,700 acre-feet. This is enough water to cover 323,700 acres with one foot of water!
Making Electricity with Water
Besides storing drinking water, Castaic Lake also helps make electricity. It's part of a special system called a pumped-storage hydroelectric system. Think of it like a giant battery using water.
When people need a lot of electricity, water is let out from Pyramid Lake. It rushes down through powerful machines called turbines at the Castaic Power Plant. This movement generates electricity.
At night, when less electricity is needed and it's cheaper, water is pumped back up from Castaic Lake to Pyramid Lake. The money earned from selling electricity during the day helps pay for the cost of moving water in other parts of the aqueduct system.
Where Does the Creek Go?
Some water from Castaic Lake is released into Castaic Lagoon, which is just below the dam. This lagoon helps refill the underground water supply, called an aquifer. It's also a popular spot for outdoor activities.
Downstream from the lagoon, Castaic Creek continues its journey. It flows through the eastern part of the Sierra Pelona Mountains. Finally, it joins the Santa Clara River, a few miles west of Santa Clarita. The rest of the water from Castaic Lake is sent through pipelines to homes and businesses in the northern Greater Los Angeles Area.
