Streams

Onondaga County has an abundance of streams, both rural and urban, that flow through the local landscape and connect neighboring communities. The major drainage basins in Onondaga County and their tributaries are listed below:

Onondaga Lake Watershed
Onondaga Creek, Nine Mile Creek, Ley Creek, Geddes Brook and Harbor Brook all flow into Onondaga Lake.

Oneida Lake Watershed
Limestone Creek and Butternut Creek carry water north to Oneida Lake.

Lower Seneca River Basin
Skaneateles Creek and Carpenters Brook flow into the Seneca River.

In the southern portion of the county, Cold Brook flows south to the Tioughnioga River. At the northern boundary of the county, the Oneida River connects with the Seneca and Oswego Rivers as part of the “Three Rivers System.”
There are also many smaller and seasonal streams that transport water to the lower reaches of the watersheds.

Living on the Edge:
Protecting Backyard Streams

A major threat to the health of local streams is pollution that can make its way into the stream channel during a rainstorm. Each time it rains, streams are the receiving waters for all of the rainwater that flows off streets, parking lots, fields, and lawns. If the water washing over your property has a chance to pick up eroded sediment, bacteria from pet waste, lawn & garden chemicals, or other contaminants—these pollutants will eventually be flushed into a local stream. Maintaining a vegetated buffer along the stream bank is a valuable step in preventing these kinds of pollutants from ending up in stream. Trees and woody shrubs have the additional benefit of stabilizing the stream bank as their deep roots help hold soil in place and reduce erosion. Visit the following links for more information on how to establish a buffer along your stream:

Backyard Buffers PDF

Native Plants for NY Streamside PDF

Reducing Streambank Erosion

During periods of heavy rain or snowmelt, many local streams can increase in volume and power, and even overflow their banks. Un-vegetated stream banks are particularly prone to damage by erosion, which is not only detrimental to water quality but can also cause property loss. In some situations steep slopes and undercut stream banks necessitate stream stabilization techniques that go beyond the establishment of woody plants or buffer zones. The installation of structures such as rip-rap, crib walls, or bioengineering methods may be warranted. These types of structures are best designed and installed by a professional, and require a permit from the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation. For additional information, contact your local codes enforcement officer or Soil & Water Conservation District.

Onondaga County SWCD: (315) 677-3851
NYS DEC Region 7: (607) 753-3095