Photo by Al Buschauer
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What is a Watershed?
Imagine a watershed as the land that guides water and snowmelt to a stream, river, or lake. When it rains or snows, some of the water seeps into the ground, embarking on a journey that eventually leads it to aquifers – the primary source of our drinking water. On the other hand, water that falls on pavement or other hard surfaces takes a different route, immediately flowing into a storm sewer or ditch and then into creeks, streams, and ponds.
Healthy watersheds are essential to our supply of clean drinking water and play a vital role in stabilizing erosion, providing recreational opportunities, and preserving beautiful natural habitats.
The Watersheds
Flint Creek
A 27-mile-long waterway, Flint Creek connects water bodies in a 38-square-mile area. It meanders through or is affected by eight villages, four townships, and Cook and Lake counties.
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The Flint Creek watershed encompasses most of Lake Barrington and North Barrington, significant portions of Lake Zurich, Deer Park, Barrington Hills, and Barrington, and a small portion of Tower Lakes and Hawthorn Woods.
Photo by Jeff Chemelewski
Spring Creek
Spring Creek and its numerous tributaries drain approximately 26.9 square miles of land surface in McHenry, Lake, Kane, and Cook counties.
The watershed encompasses most of Barrington Hills, and portions of South Barrington and Hoffman Estates. Small portions of older residential developments in Carpentersville, East Dundee, Algonquin, and Fox River Grove are also within the watershed.
