Its watershed is the principal source of drinking water for the City of Ithaca, New York, and the surrounding communities.

[2] Glaciation advanced and retreated along the creek valley in the late Pleistocene Epoch until about 17,500 years ago.

Because the lower valley was filled with sediments as the glaciers retreated, the new channel initially flowed without regard to its pre-glacial location.

The reservoir above Second Dam has become a popular swimming area, although technically illegal, raising concerns about noise, crime, littering, and safety.

Although volunteer rangers patrol the area, they do not have the power to write tickets or make arrests and must contact the Tompkins County Sheriff for enforcement actions.