Sand Creek (Denver, Colorado) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Sand Creek |
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The creek as it flows through Sand Creek Park in Aurora, north of the Anschutz Medical Campus.
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| Physical characteristics | |
| Main source | Arapahoe County, Colorado 39°43′13″N 104°44′21″W / 39.72028°N 104.73917°W |
| River mouth | Confluence with the South Platte 5,095 ft (1,553 m) 39°48′47″N 104°57′08″W / 39.81306°N 104.95222°W |
| Basin features | |
| Progression | South Platte—Platte— Missouri—Mississippi |
Sand Creek is a 14.6-mile-long (23.5 km) tributary (a smaller stream that flows into a larger one). It joins the South Platte River near Commerce City, Colorado. Sand Creek starts in Arapahoe County. It then flows through the cities of Aurora and Denver before reaching the South Platte in Adams County.
Contents
Keeping Sand Creek Clean
Understanding Water Quality
In November 2011, a fisherman saw something unusual on Sand Creek. The water looked oily. Tests showed that the water had high levels of a chemical called benzene. Benzene is a substance that can be harmful.
Finding the Source of Pollution
The benzene came from a broken pipe at a nearby factory called Suncor refinery. The chemical leaked into the ground. From there, it traveled into the groundwater. Eventually, it reached the surface of Sand Creek.
Monitoring and Cleanup Efforts
In December 2011, the Colorado Department of Health and Environment started checking the water. They measured the amount of benzene in Sand Creek. They also checked the South Platte River, where Sand Creek flows.
The results showed high levels of benzene. For example, the amount of benzene was much higher than the safe limit set by the EPA. The EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) sets rules for clean water. Even though the broken pipe was fixed, some benzene levels still remain higher than what is safe for drinking water.
Why Clean Water Matters
It is very important to keep Sand Creek and the South Platte River clean. Many nearby towns get their drinking water from the South Platte River. Also, people enjoy using the river for fun activities. These include swimming and fishing. Keeping our rivers clean helps everyone and protects nature.
