Tuscarora Creek (Monocacy River tributary) facts for kids

Tuscarora Creek is a small tributary (a smaller stream that flows into a bigger one) in Frederick County, Maryland. It is about 7.7 kilometers (4.8 miles) long.

This creek starts near the Catoctin Mountain, about 6.5 kilometers (4 miles) northwest of the city of Frederick. It then flows southeast until it joins the Monocacy River. The area of land that drains into Tuscarora Creek, called its watershed, is about 15.28 square kilometers (5.9 square miles).

Keeping Tuscarora Creek Healthy

Scientists and environmental groups work to make sure our waterways are clean and safe. They have found some challenges for Tuscarora Creek.

What's Affecting the Water?

The Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE) checks the water quality in creeks and rivers. They found that Tuscarora Creek has too much bacteria. Bacteria can make the water unsafe for swimming or for the animals living there.

The MDE believes this bacteria comes from several places:

• Farm animals: Waste from animals like cows or chickens on farms.
• Septic tanks: These are underground tanks that hold waste from homes that are not connected to a city sewer system. If they break, waste can leak out.
• Pet waste: Poop from dogs and other pets that isn't cleaned up.
• Wildlife: Waste from wild animals can also contribute.

There is also a place that cleans dirty water, called the White Rock sewage treatment plant, which releases water into the creek. However, the MDE report did not say this plant was causing too much pollution. About one-third of the bacteria in the creek comes from sources that are still unknown.

Other Problems in the Creek

Another group, the Maryland Department of Natural Resources, looked at Tuscarora Creek too. They found other issues that can harm the creek's health:

• Eroded banks: The sides of the creek are washing away. This can make the water muddy and harm habitats for fish and other creatures.
• Barriers for fish: Some things in the creek stop fish from swimming freely. This can make it hard for them to find food or places to lay eggs.
• Trash dumping: People sometimes throw trash into the creek, which pollutes the water and harms wildlife.

These problems are often linked to land development (when more buildings and roads are built) in the areas around the creek. As more people move in, it can put more stress on the natural environment.