Codorus Creek facts for kids

Codorus Creek is a cool stream in York County, Pennsylvania. It is about 42.4-mile-long (68.2 km). This creek is a tributary of the big Susquehanna River. A tributary is a smaller stream that flows into a larger river. The name "Codorus" comes from a Native American word meaning "rapid water."

The Journey of Codorus Creek

Codorus Creek starts on Beecher Hill in Manheim Township. This spot is only about 2 miles (3 km) north of the Mason–Dixon line, which is the border between Pennsylvania and Maryland.

Where the Creek Flows

The first part of the creek is sometimes called the West Branch. It flows northwest to a place called Menges Mills. Then, it turns northeast and goes past Spring Grove and New Salem.

It then meets another part of the creek, called the South Branch. This meeting point is about 0.8 miles (1.3 km) upstream from the Pennsylvania Route 182 road crossing.

Controlling Floods with Indian Rock Dam

Near where the two branches meet, there's a special project called the Indian Rock Dam. The Army Corps of Engineers built this dam. Its main job is to help control floods. It's located about 0.7 miles (1.1 km) upstream from where the South Branch joins the main creek.

After the dam, Codorus Creek flows for another 15.4 miles (24.8 km). It passes right through the middle of the city of York. Finally, it joins the Susquehanna River near a community called Saginaw.

Future Water Trails

There are plans to create a "water trail" along Codorus Creek. This means people could enjoy the creek by boat or kayak. Trails are being planned for the main creek and its South and West branches.

South Branch Codorus Creek

The South Branch is another important part of Codorus Creek. It joins the main creek (or "West Branch") about 0.8 miles (1.3 km) upstream from the Pennsylvania Route 182 crossing.

Where the South Branch Starts

The South Branch begins in the town of New Freedom. This is about 1.4 miles (2.3 km) north of the Maryland border. From there, it flows 21.6 miles (34.8 km) north until it meets the main Codorus Creek.

Lakes and Water Supply

A smaller stream, called East Branch Codorus Creek, flows into the South Branch. This East Branch is blocked by dams to create two lakes: Lake Williams and Lake Redman. These lakes are very important because they help supply drinking water to the city of York.

Another small stream, Centerville Creek, also flows into the South Branch. It joins the South Branch above the town of Glen Rock.

Caring for the Creek: Watershed Association

The Codorus Creek Watershed Association (CCWA) is a group of volunteers who care about the creek. A "watershed" is all the land where water drains into a particular river or stream.

What the CCWA Does

The CCWA is a non-profit organization. Their main goal is to protect and improve the entire Codorus Creek watershed. They want to make sure the creek is healthy for people today and for future generations.

In 2011, the CCWA was working on projects to restore smaller streams that flow into Codorus Creek. These included Oil Creek near Hanover and Barshinger Creek near Red Lion. They also looked for money to help with other restoration projects in the watershed.