The Golkrather Bach (also called Millicher Bach, Muehle Rinn or Mühlenbach) has its source in the Golkrather Bruch, crosses Millich and flows into the Rur just outside the village. The stream used to flow above ground through Millich, sometimes even through the middle of the wide village street (today Gronewaldstraße). In 1935, the above-ground course of the stream was largely relocated underground due to the steadily increasing volume of traffic.
There used to be six mills on the banks of the Golkrather Bach, which was only six kilometers long: the Plätschmühle near Brück, the Stevensmühle near Kleingladbach, the Romersmühle and Dieksmühle between Kleingladbach and Schaufenberg, as well as the Königsmühle above and the Lohmühle below Millich. The first five mills ground grain, while the Millicher Lohmühle ground tan (= tree bark) and bones. Some of these mills have been preserved to this day, even if they no longer serve their original purpose: the Romersmühle served as a tourist restaurant for many years and is currently being renovated. The Dieksmühle was also used as a dance and excursion venue for many years. After its renovation, it now owns several holiday apartments and a seminar room. The Königsmühle was also converted for residential purposes, while the Millicher Lohmühle was demolished in 1928.