Peters Brook (Raritan River tributary) facts for kids

Peters Brook is a small river, also called a tributary, that flows into the bigger Raritan River in New Jersey. It travels south through towns like Bridgewater Township and Somerville, New Jersey. Some smaller streams, like Ross Brook and Mac's Brook, flow into Peters Brook.

Peters Brook, Somerville, New Jersey

This brook is about six miles long. It starts near I-287 and ends when it joins the Raritan River, south of Somerville.

Why is Peters Brook Important?

Peters Brook is known for two main things:

• High Phosphate Levels: The water in Peters Brook sometimes has high levels of phosphate. Phosphates are chemicals that can come from things like fertilizers or soaps. Too much phosphate can cause problems for the plants and animals living in the water. It can make too many algae grow, which uses up oxygen that fish need.
• Flooding: The brook also gets a lot of stormwater. Stormwater is rain or melted snow that flows over streets and land instead of soaking into the ground. This extra water can make the brook overflow its banks, causing floods in nearby areas.

Who is Peters Brook Named After?

The brook is named after Peter Van Nest. His father, Pieter Van Nest, was an immigrant from the Netherlands. The Van Nest family lived nearby in Raritan. Peter Van Nest was a soldier in the American Revolutionary War. He fought under the command of Jacob Ten Eyck.

Peters Brook Greenway Trail

In Somerville, there is a special pathway called the Peters Brook Greenway. It's a gravel trail about 1.5 miles long. The path is about eight feet wide and follows the brook from Mountain Avenue to High Street. It's a great place for walking or biking!

The brook also flows through Flockhart Park. You can find this park in Bridgewater, right before the Somerset Shopping Center and Somerville Circle exit on US-202 South. Flockhart Park was named after Thomas Flockhart, who used to be the mayor of Somerville.

Where Does Peters Brook Cross Roads?

Peters Brook flows under many roads as it travels through Bridgewater and Somerville.

Road Crossings in Bridgewater

• Talamini Road
• Garretson Road
• Somerset Corporate Boulevard
• US 22
• US 202

Road Crossings in Somerville

• Mountain Avenue
• Mercer Street
• Davenport Street
• North Bridge Street
• Grove Street
• East Cliff Street
• East High Street (since 1911)
• East Main Street
• South Side Avenue