Compton Creek facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Compton Creek |
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Compton Creek from Wall Street, just south of E 108th St., Los Angeles. The creek's western terminus is visible at the far end at S Main St.
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| Country | United States |
| Physical characteristics | |
| Main source | Compton, California |
| River mouth | Los Angeles River, California |
| Length | 8.5 mi (13.7 km) |
| Basin features | |
| Basin size | 42.1 sq mi (109 km2) |
Compton Creek is an important stream in Los Angeles County, California. It flows through and around the city of Compton. This creek is a major tributary of the Los Angeles River. A tributary is a smaller stream that flows into a larger river.
The area of land that drains into Compton Creek is called its watershed. This watershed covers about 42.1 square miles (109 km2). Compton Creek is the last big stream to join the Los Angeles River before the river reaches the Pacific Ocean.
Where Does Compton Creek Flow?
Compton Creek starts in Los Angeles. You can find its beginning near South Main Street. It flows between 107th and 108th Streets.
The creek then travels through a place called Willowbrook. In total, Compton Creek is about 8.5 miles (13.7 km) long. For most of its journey, the creek flows inside a concrete channel. This channel helps control floods.
Near its end, the creek changes. It becomes an earth-bottom section with riprap banks. Riprap is a layer of loose rocks used to protect the banks from erosion. Another stream, East Compton Creek, joins it. Finally, Compton Creek empties into the Los Angeles River. This happens just south of Del Amo Boulevard.
Environmental Concerns Over Time
In the past, Compton Creek faced serious pollution problems. A study in 2009 looked at the water quality. It found many different kinds of pollutants in the creek.
Experts noted that the creek had a lot of contamination. People were very worried about the health of the creek. This concern was part of bigger discussions about how pollution affects communities. Efforts have been made to improve the creek's environment.
Fun Facts About Compton Creek
- West Poplar Street was renamed West Bartlett Street in 2007. This happened after a fire at an animal shelter. The street was renamed to honor a brave fireman. He saved more than 10 dogs and 6 cats during the emergency.
