Salt Creek (White River tributary) facts for kids
Salt Creek is a stream located in the southern part of Indiana, a state in the United States. It's like a smaller river that flows into a bigger one. Salt Creek is a tributary of the East Fork of the White River. This means it feeds its water into the White River.
The creek starts in Bartholomew County. It then flows through parts of Brown and Monroe counties. Finally, it joins the White River near the city of Bedford in Lawrence County. A big part of Salt Creek flows through Lake Monroe. This lake was made in 1965 when a dam was built across Salt Creek.
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What is Salt Creek?
Salt Creek is a natural waterway. It carries water from rain and smaller streams across the land. It helps to drain water from a large area, which is called a watershed. The creek is important for the local environment and for people living nearby.
Where Does Salt Creek Flow?
Salt Creek begins its journey in the southwestern part of Bartholomew County. From there, it travels through the southern areas of Brown County and Monroe County. As it moves, it collects water from many smaller streams and rivers. Its journey ends when it flows into the East Fork of the White River. This meeting point is just downstream from Bedford, Indiana.
Salt Creek and Lake Monroe
One of the most important parts of Salt Creek's path is through Lake Monroe. This large lake was created by building a dam on Salt Creek in 1965. Lake Monroe is a popular spot for fishing, boating, and other outdoor activities. It also provides drinking water for many communities. The lake helps control floods by holding back water when there's a lot of rain.
Clear Creek: A Partner Stream
A significant stream that joins Salt Creek is Clear Creek. Clear Creek collects water from most of the city of Bloomington. This includes water from streets and other areas.
Water Quality in Clear Creek
Clear Creek also receives water from Bloomington's Dillman Road Wastewater Treatment Plant. This plant cleans water that has been used in homes and businesses. The cleaned water, called effluent, is then released back into Clear Creek. This process helps keep the environment healthy by treating the water before it returns to nature.
How Much Water Flows in Salt Creek?
Scientists measure how much water flows in rivers and streams. Data collected from 1956 to 2001 at a special station near Harrodsburg, Indiana shows how much water Salt Creek carries. On average, Salt Creek carries about 495 cubic feet of water every second. That's a lot of water moving through the creek!
Why is it Called Salt Creek?
Salt Creek got its name because of the many brine springs found along its path. Brine springs are natural spots where salty water comes out of the ground. This salty water comes from underground rocks that contain salt. Over time, the name "Salt Creek" stuck because of these unique natural features.
