愛河源流眾說紛紜，本文以文獻探討、地圖分析為主，數位化地形分析、地質鑽探資料比對為輔，配合野外實察、訪談，探討愛河－獅龍溪的源流地形特徵。研究資料顯示二者河谷槽線位處同一走向、等高線分布形態相符、地層沈積形式一致，屬同一山麓沖積扇構造，可推論獅龍溪原為愛河源流。清代時期所興築的曹公新圳，為維持灌溉水源高位，疑似於八卦寮陂東岸採堆築土隄以架高圳道方式通過傳說中的草潭，從此切斷二河之間的水源連繫關係。愛河上游縮減至八卦寮，成為一條沒有上游源流的河川。日治時期迄今，在高雄平原都市與工業發展下，愛河逐漸淪為工業與家庭污水的排水溝，反需曹公新圳供水稀釋以降低污染。

Over the source of Love River, people hold varied opinions as found in different historical documents as well as official and general literatures. The study finds that the source of Love River should be Shilong River. As observed from the characteristics of the river valleys, the distribution of contour lines and the events from the stratigraphic records along the river basins of Love River and Shilong River, these two rivers are of the same alluvial system. In 1844 the mounded Caogong Canal was constructed in the eastern bank of Bagualiao pond, thus forming a watershed splitting the same river system into two river basins. With the gradual urbanization and industrialization of Kaohsiung Plain, Love River loses its natural water source and becomes a drainage ditch. The water supply of Caogong Canal turns out to be significant to dilute the pollution of Love River.