Delaware River (Kansas) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Delaware River |
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|---|---|
| Country | United States |
| State | Kansas |
| Physical characteristics | |
| Main source | Northeast Nemaha County, Kansas, United States 827 ft (252 m) 39°55′40″N 095°50′15″W / 39.92778°N 95.83750°W |
| River mouth | Kansas River Near Perry, Kansas, United States 252 ft (77 m) 39°03′33″N 095°23′52″W / 39.05917°N 95.39778°W |
| Length | 94 mi (151 km), North-South |
| Basin features | |
| River system | Kansas River watershed |
The Delaware River is a river in the northeastern part of Kansas, a state in the United States. It is about 94-mile-long (151 km). That's like driving from one end of a big city to the other! This river was once called the Grasshopper River.
The Delaware River is a very important part of the Kansas River system. It flows into the Kansas River, making it one of its main tributaries. A tributary is like a smaller stream or river that flows into a larger one.
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About the Delaware River in Kansas
The Delaware River helps drain a large area of land. This area is called its watershed. The Delaware River watershed covers about 1,117 square miles (2,890 km2). This means all the rain and snow that falls in this huge area eventually flows into the Delaware River.
Where the River Starts and Ends
The Delaware River begins in the northeast part of Nemaha County, Kansas. This is its source. From there, it flows south. The river ends when it joins the Kansas River near a town called Perry, Kansas. This meeting point is called its mouth.
The Delaware River Watershed
A watershed is like a giant funnel. It collects all the water from rain and snow over a specific area. This water then flows into a single river or lake. The Delaware River watershed is very important for the health of the river.
The Kansas Department of Health and Environment has given the Delaware River watershed a special rating: Category 1. This means that the watershed needs extra care. It needs to be protected and improved to keep the river healthy. This helps make sure the water is clean for plants, animals, and people.
Perry Lake and the River
A big part of the Delaware River's water comes from Perry Lake. This lake is actually a reservoir, which is a large artificial lake used to store water. Perry Lake helps control the flow of the Delaware River. It also provides water for people and wildlife.
Why Rivers Are Important
Rivers like the Delaware River are super important for many reasons:
- Water Supply: They provide fresh water for drinking, farming, and industries.
- Wildlife Habitat: Rivers are home to many different kinds of fish, birds, and other animals.
- Transportation: Historically, rivers were used for travel and moving goods.
- Recreation: People enjoy rivers for fishing, boating, and other outdoor activities.
- Ecosystem Health: Rivers are a vital part of the natural environment. They help keep the land healthy.
Protecting rivers and their watersheds is a big job. It helps keep our environment clean and healthy for everyone.
