Pompeston Creek facts for kids

Pompeston Creek is a small waterway located in Burlington County, New Jersey. This creek helps drain an area of about 9 square miles. It flows through several towns, including Riverton, Moorestown, Delran, and Cinnaminson.

The creek starts in Moorestown. From there, Pompeston Creek flows directly into the much larger Delaware River. Along its banks, you can often find wetlands. These are special areas of land that are usually covered with water.

Keeping Pompeston Creek Clean

Most of the land around Pompeston Creek is developed with towns and buildings. This is called urban land use. This type of land use can sometimes make the water quality in the creek less clean.

What Causes Water Pollution?

When it rains, water flows over streets and yards. This is called stormwater runoff. This runoff can pick up pollution from the urban areas. For example, it might carry animal waste or fertilizers from lawns. This dirty water then flows into Pompeston Creek. There are over 200 pipes, called stormwater outfalls, that carry this water into the creek.

How Water Quality Changes

The water in Pompeston Creek is usually cleaner the closer you get to its start in Moorestown. As the creek flows through more developed areas, its water quality tends to get worse. This is because it picks up more pollution along the way.

Working Towards Cleaner Water

Good news! The water quality in Pompeston Creek has been getting better recently. This is thanks to many people who care about the creek. Volunteers and informed citizens have helped a lot. Also, new plans for managing stormwater are helping to keep pollution out of the creek.

Images for kids

• 

  Pompeston Creek