The United States has a nostalgic and almost mystical connection with its rivers.
These vital waterways, many of which are central to the cultural traditions and day-to-day lives of Native American peoples, have also inspired centuries of American folklore, literature, and cinema—from the mighty Mississippi to the Hudson and Potomac rivers.
But rather than dreamy, wistful tales of adventure and triumph from long ago, the modern reality of rivers tells a stark tale of pollution and its dire consequences for people, animals, and the environment.
A new report detailing the general state of the nation’s rivers and a detailed account of its ten most endangered rivers says they are in crisis.
“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 Washington D.C.-based nonprofit environmental advocacy organization focused on protecting and promoting the health of the nation’s rivers. “Our leaders must hold polluters accountable and strengthen the Clean Water Act to safeguard our health and communities.”
Around 44% of waterways are too polluted for swimming or fishing, according to the Environmental Protection Agency.
The country’s 3.5 million miles of rivers supply water to thousands of farms and millions of people. They support a vast number of jobs nationwide and are home to countless animal and plant species. While the days of seeing rivers ablaze due to severe pollution may be behind us, new and equally daunting challenges have emerged, making safeguarding and rejuvenating these lifelines more complex and urgent than ever.
Today, the country’s 250,000 rivers face the threat of human-made climate change, fueling more extreme weather, like floods and droughts. Harmful infrastructure projects and rapidly expanding cities have increased the demand on rivers and greatly strained wildlife and the environment.
One of the central elements that has improved these threats by preventing environmental protection is lobbyists from a range of industries, including agriculture, energy, chemicals, mining, construction, and transportation.
Even the Supreme Court has added to the plight of U.S. rivers, deciding in 2023 that wetlands and ephemeral streams are not part of the 50-year-old Clean Water Act. Wetlands naturally remove pollutants and runoff while also preventing erosion and flooding. Ephemeral streams only have flowing water during floods or heavy rain, transferring pollution to larger bodies of water.
Here are the ten most endangered rivers of 2024, which includes a whole state.
1. New Mexico’s rivers
New Mexico
At risk: clean water, wildlife, habitat, recreation, agriculture, cultural resources.
Large parts of New Mexico are often in some level of drought, making its rivers a crucial part of life. They provide clean drinking water, irrigation, fish and wildlife habitat, and rich cultural resources. But American Rivers claims that the 2023 SCOTUS decision harms New Mexico the most out of all the states. Losing the protections could allow more pollution and habitat damage, leading to damage to downstream rivers such as the Rio Grande, Gila, San Juan, and Pecos.
2. Big Sunflower and Yazoo Rivers
Mississippi
At risk: Wetlands, birds, fish, and wildlife, local communities.
These two rivers are home to wetlands and habitats that support hundreds of species of birds, fish, and other wildlife. They are located in the heart of a major bird migration route known as the Mississippi Flyway. Home to one of the last intact bottomland hardwood forests in the nation, the area is threatened by a project known as the Yazoo Backwater Pumps. The project would damage 200,000 acres of waterfowl habitat and, according to American Rivers, reinforce historical environmental and racial injustices for predominantly Black, poor communities. The Yazoo Pumps proposal was vetoed by EPA under President George W Bush in 2008 due to its environmental impact. It was revived in 2021.
3. Duck River
Tennessee
At risk: Clean water, fish and wildlife habitat.
The Duck River in Tennessee holds the distinction of being North America’s most biodiverse river. It is one of the world’s three primary centers of fish and mussel diversity, providing habitat for endangered species. However, rapid development from expanding local communities poses a significant threat to its health. The river supports local needs for drinking water, agriculture, and industrial manufacturing, but escalating demands are surpassing the river’s sustainable capacity. This overuse jeopardizes the future availability of the Duck River’s resources for both people and its diverse aquatic life.
4. Santa Cruz River
Arizona and Sonora (Mexico)
At risk: community and cultural connection, fish and wildlife.
The Santa Cruz River, the tribal home to one of the first communities established in North America, is coming back to life after intensive groundwater withdrawals dried it up in the 1940s. Decades later, partially treated wastewater discharge created harmful conditions for native ecosystems and humans. However, climate change and water scarcity now threaten its path to recovery, while environmental rollbacks to clean water protections at the federal level could add new challenges to the watershed’s long-term health.5. Little Pee Dee RiverSouth Carolina and North CarolinaAt risk: clean water, wetlands, wildlife habitat.The river, primarily situated in South Carolina’s upper coastal plain, is one of the Southeast’s most unique blackwater rivers. Along its 118-mile course, forestry wetlands provide a critical habitat for endangered fish and wildlife species. Until recently, the river remained primarily untouched by development, but that could be about to change as the threat of highway development and poor resource management threaten it and the communities that depend on it.
6. Farmington River
Connecticut and Massachusetts
At risk: clean drinking water, fish and wildlife.
The Farmington River supports a diverse range of fish and wildlife and is a vital source of clean drinking water for the region, as well as boating and other recreation opportunities. However, the outdated Rainbow Dam is damaging the river, blocking fish migration and spurring outbreaks of toxic algae blooms that harm people, pets, and wildlife.
7. Trinity River
California
At risk: tribal fishing and water rights, clean drinking water, fish and wildlife.
The Trinity River’s main threats come from excessive water diversions, new water demands, and the effects of drought and climate change. It’s the largest tributary of the Klamath River and a vital habitat for salmon, steelhead and green sturgeon. Known as Hun’ to the Hoopa Tribe, which has lived on its banks for thousands of years, it’s now at the center of a dispute over tribal rights. The Hoopa Valley and Yurok Tribes have been stewarding and defending the river for generations and fighting for environmental justice for the people and the waters.
8. Kobuk River
Alaska
At risk: Iñupiaq subsistence traditions and economy, clean water, fish and wildlife.
The Kobuk River, free-flowing and situated north of the Arctic Circle in Alaska, winds through the northern edge of the boreal forest beside the colossal Brooks Mountain Range. This river has no road connections or industrial development and provides a unique view of an ancient and rare North American landscape. It runs through the homelands of the Indigenous Iñupiat, who rely on the river’s rich fish and wildlife populations to survive and use it for spiritual and cultural purposes. However, a new road development supporting mining activities seriously threatens the river and tribe.
9. Tijuana River/Rio Tijuana
California and Baja California (Mexico)
At risk: clean water and public health.
The Tijuana River Watershed is home to millions of people on both sides of the U.S./Mexico border and the ancestral and current homeland of the Kumeyaay People. The river was once a favorite spot for families, swimmers, and surfers but is now heavily polluted. It limits coastal access where it meets the Pacific Ocean, hurts ecosystems, forces beach closures, and causes widespread illnesses.
Years of mismanagement and poor wastewater infrastructure have led to long-running violations of the Clean Water Act.
10. Blackwater River
West Virginia
At risk: Clean water, fish and wildlife habitat, recreation and tourism economy.
West Virginia’s Blackwater River is a beloved recreational destination for wildlife and nature enthusiasts, including boaters, cyclists, hikers, hunters, and anglers. However, Blackwater is at risk from a state-proposed four-lane “Corridor H” highway that would divide local communities, destroy delicate habitats, and pollute key tributaries.