The Most Endangered Rivers Of The U.S.

Reductions in federal Clean Water Act (CWA) protections have left our rivers, streams, and wetlands at risk in the U.S., and a new report details which waterways are most endangered.

Reminder: Last year, the EPA removed federal protections for a majority of the country’s wetlands to comply with a U.S. Supreme Court ruling, Sackett v. EPA, narrowing the scope for the “waters of the United States.”

This definition, and which waters should be protected, has been debated for the last four decades, even though the CWA was created to protect bodies of water such as streams, rivers, and bays from being destroyed by things like sewage, biological and radioactive waste, and industrial and agricultural waste.

Smaller streams and wetlands connect to and contribute to our rivers.

“All water is connected. We cannot allow pollution anywhere without risk to the rivers we rely on for our drinking water,” said Tom Kiernan, president and CEO of American Rivers, a nonprofit leader in protecting and restoring rivers throughout the country. “Our leaders must hold polluters accountable and strengthen the Clean Water Act to safeguard our health and communities.” 

Almost all Americans live within a mile of a river or a stream. They provide drinking water, irrigation for crops, transportation, recreation, and habitat. About 60 percent of our drinking water comes from rivers.

Every year, American Rivers conducts an analysis in partnership with local leaders to create this list and raise awareness about clean water. We all need to speak up for stronger protections of these important waterways.

1. The Rivers of New Mexico

New Mexico’s rivers are its lifeblood, providing clean drinking water, irrigation, fish and wildlife habitat, and rich cultural resources. To address the gap in clean water protections left by the Supreme Court decision, New Mexico must secure durable funding to establish a state-led surface water permitting program to protect its rivers, streams, and wetlands. The state’s heritage, environment, people, and economy depend on it.

2. Big Sunflower & Yazoo Rivers, Mississippi

The Big Sunflower and Yazoo Rivers are home to an abundance of wetlands and habitats that support more than 450 species of birds, fish, and wildlife in the heart of the Mississippi Flyway. This special place is threatened by a harmful project known as the Yazoo Backwater Pumps. The project would damage thousands of acres of wetlands while reinforcing historical environmental and racial injustices for predominantly Black, impoverished communities. The EPA and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers must prioritize immediate, effective flood relief using nature-based solutions to help local communities while conserving vital wetlands that provide natural flood protection and climate resilience.

3. Duck River, Tennessee

The Duck River is a beautiful Tennessee waterway and is among the top three most biodiverse rivers in the world. The river is used locally for drinking water, agriculture, and large-scale manufacturing processes, and demand for water from the Duck is rapidly outpacing what the river can sustainably provide. Overconsumption of the Duck River’s water threatens its invaluable fish and wildlife and its long-term use by local communities. The Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation must protect this incredible waterway by developing a comprehensive watershed plan and funding much-needed scientific studies to understand the flow needs of the river and ensure its long-term health.

4. Santa Cruz River, Arizona

The Santa Cruz River was once a desert oasis that was dried up and polluted for decades—and only recently is it coming back to life. However, climate change and water scarcity threaten progress to ensure clean, flowing water in the river. What’s more, rollbacks to clean water protections at the federal level could add new challenges to the health of the watershed longer term. To ensure this river remains a community treasure, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service should establish an Urban National Wildlife Refuge. 

5. Little Pee Dee River, North & South Carolina

Situated primarily in the upper coastal plain of South Carolina, this river is recognized as one of the Southeast’s most unique blackwater rivers, holding remarkable value for people and wildlife. Along its 118-mile course are miles of forested wetlands, which provide a critical habitat for endangered species of fish and wildlife. The river has remained mostly untouched by development, but the looming threat of highway development and poor resource management puts this river, and the communities that depend on it, at risk. Tell the South Carolina legislature to deny funding for the construction of I-73 and pass legislation to protect wetlands no longer covered under the Clean Water Act.

6. Farmington River, Connecticut

This river is a vital source of clean drinking water for the region, supporting diverse fish and wildlife, and providing recreational activities. But the Rainbow Dam, an outdated hydropower dam, is sapping life from the river, blocking fish migration and spurring outbreaks of toxic algae blooms that are harmful to people, pets, and wildlife. The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection and Farmington River Power Company must ensure that dam operations meet reasonable standards for the health of the river as well as public health and safety.

7. Trinity River, California

This river is the largest tributary of the Klamath and plays a vital role for salmon, steelhead, and green sturgeon. The Trinity, known as Hun’ to the Hoopa Tribe, who have resided on its banks for millennia, holds remarkable value to wildlife and people. The Hoopa Valley and Yurok Tribes have been stewarding and defending the river for generations, fighting for Tribal rights and environmental justice for the people and the waters. The Trinity is threatened from excessive water diversions, new water demands, and the effects of drought and climate change. Tell the California State Water Resources Control Board to honor Tribal water rights, protect carryover storage, and maintain cold water temperatures on the Trinity River.

8. Kobuk River, Alaska

The free-flowing Kobuk River lies north of the Arctic Circle in Alaska, at the northern edge of the boreal forest that flanks the Brooks Range. The river meanders through homelands of the Indigenous Iñupiat who continue to live from their ancestral lands as they have for millennia. The river’s abundant fish and wildlife provide spiritual, cultural, and nutritional sustenance to the Iñupiat communities. With no road connections or industrial development, the river offers a rare glimpse into an almost primordial North American landscape. The proposed Ambler Road and associated mining development would cause irreparable harm to the Kobuk’s water quality and fish and wildlife, threatening communities all along the river. The current administration must revoke all permits allowing construction of the road.

9. Tijuana River, California

The Tijuana River Watershed, ancestral and current homeland of the Kumeyaay Nation and home to millions of people on both sides of the U.S./Mexico border is steeped in rich multicultural identities. The river joins the Pacific Ocean at beautiful beaches that were once frequented by families, swimmers, and surfers but are now choked with pollution, limiting coastal access and causing serious threats to public health. Congress and the administration must take decisive and immediate action to address the crisis in the Tijuana River Watershed by fully funding the solutions needed to restore a clean and safe environment for the affected communities.

10. Black Water River, West Virginia

West Virginia’s Blackwater River headwaters in the Canaan Valley, and Blackwater Falls State Park, are a beloved recreational and scenic treasure, and a popular destination for wildlife and nature lovers, boaters, cyclists, hikers, skiers, hunters, and fishers. But the Blackwater is at risk. The current state-proposed route for a major four-lane “Corridor H” highway complex would divide local communities and cross sensitive headwater streams, destroy delicate habitat, and pollute key tributaries. Take action now to save the Blackwater and urge the State and Federal Highway Administration to mandate an alternative Northern Route.

Get Connected: Learn about your watershed and how well your water is protected. Support your local watershed organization and join in river cleanup days.

Add your voice to the conversation! Let us know in the comments below what waterways near you need more protections.