| Hickey Run | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Location | |
| Country | United States |
| Region | Washington, D.C. |
| Physical characteristics | |
| Mouth | |
• location | Anacostia River |
| Length | 2.3 mi (3.7 km) |
| Basin size | 2.08 sq mi (5.4 km2) |
Hickey Run is atributary stream of theAnacostia River inWashington, D.C.
The historicheadwaters of the stream originate in theLangdon area in Northeast Washington (in the southwest corner of the Langdon Park Community/Recreation Center), however at present this portion of the stream and its tributaries are enclosed in underground pipes andculverts. The daylight portion of the stream can be seen south ofNew York Avenue, in theNational Arboretum, and the stream continues southeast about 1 mile (1.6 km) to the Anacostia, which drains to thePotomac River and theChesapeake Bay. Thewatershed area of Hickey Run is about 2.08 mi2 (5.4 km2).[1][2][3]
In the 19th century, beforeurbanization, the stream network consisted of the Hickey Run main stem and 15 tributaries, totaling over 5 miles (8.0 km). Today there are 6 tributaries along with the main stem, totaling 2.3 mi (3.7 km).[2]
Hickey Run is in a highlyurbanized area and itswater quality has been rated as poor by government agencies.[3] The watershed has a large amount ofimpervious surfaces, which along with the piped tributaries, has led to large amounts ofurban runoff (stormwater)pollution in the stream, including oil and grease, andbacteria.[4] The D.C. Department of the Environment has ongoing monitoring and public education activities for Hickey Run, and has plans forstream restoration projects.[5] Other agencies assisting in Hickey Run improvements include the Anacostia Watershed Restoration Partnership, the National Arboretum and theU.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
38°54′29″N76°57′27″W / 38.908142°N 76.957469°W /38.908142; -76.957469