Attempts to control flooding on the creek by paving it with concrete produced by companies owned by Political Boss Thomas Pendergast was a scandal in the 1930s.

[4] Heavy rainfall in September 1977 resulted in Brush Creek flooding the Plaza with 5 to 6 feet (1.5 to 1.8 m) of water.

The next stream westward, Turkey Creek on the Kansas side, also flooded at the same time.

[5] Kansas City, Missouri, has a combined storm water and sanitary sewer system.

Several waterways, including Brush Creek, are posted with signs discouraging contact with the water after rain.