Mill Creek (Delaware River tributary) facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Mill Creek
Mill Creek
Country	United States
State	Pennsylvania
County	Bucks
Township	Middletown, Bristol
Borough	Bristol
Physical characteristics
Main source	160 feet (49 m) 40°12′2″N 74°53′24″W / 40.20056°N 74.89000°W / 40.20056; -74.89000
River mouth	0 feet (0 m) 40°5′33″N 74°53′24″W / 40.09250°N 74.89000°W / 40.09250; -74.89000
Length	11.04 miles (17.77 km)
Basin features
Progression	Mill Creek → Delaware River → Delaware Bay
River system	Delaware River
Basin size	19.80 square miles (51.3 km2)
Landmarks	Forsythia Crossing Park Mill Creek Valley Park Silver Lake County Park
Tributaries	Left: Queen Anne Creek East Branch Mill Creek
Waterbodies	Magnolia Lake Silver Lake
Bridges	See table below
Slope	14.49 feet per mile (2.744 m/km)

Mill Creek, also known as Otter Creek, is a stream in Pennsylvania. It flows for about 11 miles (17.7 kilometers) and eventually joins the Delaware River. It is one of six streams in Bucks County with the same name. This creek starts near Core Creek Park in Middletown Township. It ends where it meets the Delaware River in Bristol Borough.

History of Mill Creek's Name

In 1885, a map called the "Atlas of Properties Near the Philadelphia and Trenton Railroad" showed something interesting. It labeled the upper part of the stream as Mill Creek. But, the lower part, after it met Queen Anne Creek, was called Otter Creek. Today, some maps still show the estuary (where the creek meets the river) as Otter Creek.

The east branch of Mill Creek has another local name: Black Ditch Creek.

How Lakes Formed Along Mill Creek

Magnolia Lake was not always a lake. Decades ago, it was a site where soil was dug up for building the Pennsylvania Turnpike. After the digging stopped, the area filled with water and became a lake.

Silver Lake was created around 1701. A dam was built in 1687 to power a mill in Bristol. This dam caused the water to back up and form the lake. People thought the rust-colored water from Silver Lake could help cure diseases. So, baths were built there between 1773 and 1801. Silver Lake has been cleaned out several times to remove mud and dirt.

Mill Creek Facts and Figures

The area of land that drains into Mill Creek is called its watershed. This watershed covers about 19.80 square miles (51.3 square kilometers). The creek flows through neighborhoods, shopping areas, and industrial zones. Much of Mill Creek's path is within Levittown, Pennsylvania. The creek's official identification number from the U.S. Geological Survey is 1181137.

The Course of Mill Creek

The west branch of Mill Creek starts at an elevation of about 160 feet (49 meters). This is just east of Core Creek Park. It flows generally south-southeast. It meets an unnamed stream on its right side. Then, it turns south towards Mill Creek Valley Park.

The creek makes an S-shape bend. It then joins with Queen Anne Creek. After that, it flows south next to Interstate 276. It makes a sharp left turn to flow east into Black Ditch Park. Here, it meets the east branch of Mill Creek.

Mill Creek then flows into Silver Lake. The water from Silver Lake then flows out and meets the Delaware River. The creek meets the Delaware River at an elevation of 0 feet (0 meters). The average slope of Mill Creek, including its west branch, is about 14.49 feet per mile (2.74 meters per kilometer).

East Branch of Mill Creek

The east branch of Mill Creek starts with two smaller branches near the Falls Township Lake. After a short distance, one branch connects with the Pennsylvania Canal (Delaware Division). The east branch then continues flowing south and southeast. It finally meets the west branch in Black Ditch Park.

Named Streams Joining Mill Creek

• Queen Anne Creek
• East Branch Mill Creek

Towns and Townships Mill Creek Flows Through

• Mill Creek, main branch
  • Bristol Borough
  • Bristol Township
• Mill Creek, western branch
  • Bristol Township
  • Middletown Township
• Mill Creek, eastern branch
  • Bristol Township
  • Falls Township

Parks Along Mill Creek

• Main Branch
  • Silver Lake County Park
  • Black Ditch Park
• Western branch
  • Mill Creek County Park

Bridges Over Mill Creek

Many bridges cross over Mill Creek and its branches. These bridges help people and vehicles get around the area.