Water District Drinking Water Source
Ogunquit River Watershed
The Ogunquit River flows into York from South Berwick running along Ogunquit Road. The river bends around the border of a small farm in the northeast corner of town and flows through a culvert under an old footbridge and one under Ogunquit Road. The shores of the river are mostly undeveloped along its three quarter mile run through York after which it passes into Wells and Ogunquit.
Great Works River Watershed
Chicks Brook originates just north of Agamenticus Village near Old Mountain Road. It flows for a mile and a half through forest and small wetlands, passing Second Hill to the west and then flowing into South Berwick on its way to join the Great Works River.
Hoopers Brook begins west of Mt. Agamenticus along Mountain Road. It flows through a half mile of forest and passes into South Berwick and runs through Hoopers Swamp on its way to join the Great Works River.
Josias River
Clay Hill Brook flows out of a forested area between Josiah Norton Road and North Village Road. The brook flows under a bridge on North Village Road and then through a culvert under the Maine Turnpike. It flows along the highway for a short distance and then turns south through three quarters of a mile of forest. The brook crosses Clay Hill Road and then flows into the Josias River.
Muddy Brook begins near a large farm on Logging Road. It flows for just under a half mile past a few homes and under the road before joining the Josias River.
The Josias River originates in a forested area along Clay Hill Road east of Agamenticus Village. It flows past a dozen homes before passing through a culvert under the Maine Turnpike. The river continues northeast along Clay Hill Road, passing several more homes and then passing under a bridge on Logging Road. The river then makes two ninety degree turns as it is joined by its two major tributaries. The Josias River continues to flow along Clay Hill Road for another mile and a quarter as it passes a dozen more homes and then crosses into Ogunquit.
Cape Neddick River Watershed
Chases Pond sits in the middle of York west of the Maine Turnpike. At 135 acres in size and over two miles long, it is the largest body of water in the town. Almost the entire length of its shoreline is undeveloped forest except for a few dozen homes at its eastern end along Scituate Road. The Cape Neddick River flows out of Chases Pond, passing over a small dam at its eastern end. It runs past the York Water District treatment plant and passes through a large culvert under the Maine Turnpike. The river passes through a mile long stretch of forest and then turns southeast near Mountain Road. It crosses the power line right of way and then flows along a large farm where development begins to intensify near Route 1. The Cape Neddick River crosses under a bridge on Route 1 and passes numerous homes as it comes under the influence of the incoming tide. Where the river broadens into a tidal estuary its shoreline is completely developed with homes and lawns right up to the water. The river passes under a final bridge on Shore Road and then flows into the Gulf of Maine.
Bridges Swamp Watershed
The Little River begins near the toll plaza on the Maine Turnpike. It passes through a culvert on New Town Road and another on Route 1 near several homes and businesses. The river flows into a small marsh and past several homes on Candlewood Lane. Development increases along the river as it crosses Ridge Road and Long Sands Road and approaches Prebble Point. The Little River passes by several dozen homes in a small marsh area on York Street and empties onto the beach where it joins the Gulf of Maine.
Southside Drainages Watershed
There are multiple small streams that flow into Brave Boat Harbor. These streams meet the incoming tide and form a large tidal marsh area on York’s border with Kittery. There is very sparse development around the marsh, a large portion of which is managed by the Rachel Carson National Wildlife Refuge.
York River Watershed
Welchs Pond sits just south of Mt. Agamenticus in an undeveloped area of forest. It is 10 acres in size and empties east through a small stream which flows into
Folly Pond to the south. This 56 acre pond is just under one and a half miles long and its shoreline in completely undeveloped forest. Water from Folly Pond passes over a large dam at its southern tip and flows into
Middle Pond 400 feet away. Like the previous two, this pond’s shores are also forested and undeveloped. This pond also has a dam at its southern end. A small stream flows over this dam and moves south, passing through a culvert on a small dirt road and joining a stream flowing from Scituate Pond to the east. The eastern shore of this 48 acre pond is moderately developed with homes along Scituate Road, while its northern and western shores are forested and undeveloped. The water flowing out of Scituate Pond’s eastern end joins another small stream to form Cider Hill Creek at the end of Fall Mill Road Ext. The brook flows past a large gravel pit and several homes before passing through a culvert under Fall Mill Road. The creek begins to twist and turn dramatically as it flows through a mash area approaching Cider Hill Road. The creek passes under a bridge where it becomes brackish from incoming tidal water. Cider Hill Creek flows along the Maine Turnpike for three quarters of a mile and then joins the York River.
Bell Marsh Reservoir sits along Bell Marsh Road near York’s northern border with South Berwick. At its northern end the reservoir is divided by a private road with a small culvert. Above the road the reservoir is partly marsh and there are several homes along the shore. The majority of the rest of the shoreline is undeveloped and forested. Smelt Brook passes over a dam at the southern end of Bell Marsh Reservoir. The brook flows south past numerous homes along Mill lane as its shores transition to marsh. It passes a bridge on Cider Hill Road where it begins to meander dramatically and runs past several more homes and large farm just before joining the York River.
Boulter Pond forms behind a dam on New Boston Road. The pond is just less than two miles long with virtually no development along its shores. A small stream passes the dam and runs three quarters of a mile to join the York River.
Johnson Brook flows into York from Kittery in an area of forest east of Route 1. It flows for only three quarters of a mile before joining Dolly Gordon Brook near several subdivisions. Dolly Gordon Brook forms a small marsh where it backs up behind a small culvert on Route 1. The brook passes several homes and businesses as it approaches the Maine Turnpike. Passing through a culvert under the highway the brook makes its way through a marsh area and flows into Libby Brook. This brook flows into York from Kittery near a weigh station on the Maine Turnpike. It twists and turns its way through a surrounding marsh and passes a bridge on Beech Ridge Road. The brook passes several homes as it becomes brackish with incoming tidal water where it joins the York River.
The York River flows into York from Eliot near several homes and farms on Frost Hill Road. At this point the river is tidally influenced and forms a broad estuary as it flows to the ocean. Shortly after crossing into York the river is joined by Rogers Brook and Cutts Ridge Brook. Both of these tributaries flow in from Eliot and run for a short distance before joining the York River. Their shores are mostly undeveloped and their waters are brackish. The York River continues to wind through the estuary as it passes several large farms and an increasing number of homes near Scotland Bridge Road. Here the river broadens as it gathers water from its numerous tributaries and passes under the Maine Turnpike and Route 1. Development along the shore continues to intensify with numerous homes along Seaside Road. On the opposite bank the York Golf and Tennis Club course comes right to the water. Docks begin to appear along the shore as the estuary broadens at Route 103 and forms the harbor of North Basin. Making on final bend the York River passes Fort Point and flows into the Gulf of Maine.
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