Rivers play a crucial role in providing drinking water, supporting plant and animal life, and fostering community connections. However, many of the largest and most important waterways across the U.S. are facing threats such as pollution, inadequate flood management, and more, putting at risk the people and wildlife that depend on them.
Heather Taylor-Miesle, the senior vice president of conservation at American Rivers, emphasized the significance of rivers as places of healing and connection but also highlighted the dangers they pose when mismanaged. Growing up in Appalachia, she witnessed the destructive power of rivers during unexpected floods, such as the recent devastation caused by Hurricane Helene in September.
Despite the destructive potential of rivers during flooding events, Taylor-Miesle emphasized that rivers serve as great equalizers. She and American Rivers are dedicated to protecting these vital waterways, as evidenced by their annual release of the “America’s Most Endangered Rivers” list, which raises awareness about the threats facing critical rivers and suggests actions to safeguard them.
Ten waterways were identified in this year’s list, facing challenges ranging from increased flooding and inadequate disaster preparedness to pollution, aging infrastructure, and various human activities. Tom Kiernan, the president and CEO of American Rivers, underscored the importance of preserving clean water and public safety in the face of pollution and extreme weather events.
Taylor-Miesle highlighted the urgency of protecting endangered rivers that hold significance for people and wildlife. She expressed hope in the ability to make a positive impact on these rivers, emphasizing the collaborative efforts needed to address these challenges.
The 2025 report from American Rivers identified the nation’s most endangered rivers, with the Mississippi River topping the list due to increased flooding and inadequate disaster response. This iconic river, flowing through 10 states over 2,350 miles, serves as a focal point for conservation efforts to protect its ecological and communal value.
1. The report highlights the significance of the Mississippi River in the nation’s heartland. It provides drinking water for 20 million people and supports crucial sectors like agriculture, industry, and recreation. However, frequent and severe floods pose a threat to lives and businesses, and the river’s health is deteriorating. Communities along the river require substantial assistance for disaster prevention, response, and river restoration. The fate of the Federal Emergency Management Agency is a crucial factor in this scenario. The Trump administration is urged to modernize FEMA to enhance river health and ensure the safety, security, and prosperity of Mississippi River communities.
2. American Rivers raises concerns about the pollution threatening the Tijuana River, which stretches across California and Baja California in Mexico. The region has been grappling with severe pollution issues for decades, with contaminated stormwater, sewage, chemicals, and trash flowing into the Pacific Ocean daily. Significant federal investments are necessary to address this escalating environmental and public health crisis.
3. Southern Appalachia’s rivers faced significant challenges following the devastation caused by Hurricane Helene. Apart from extreme weather events and resulting floods, unsafe dams and insufficient federal resources are contributing factors. These rivers play a vital role in the region’s culture and economy, supporting diverse life forms. Recovery efforts are underway, with federal, state, and local partners allocating resources. However, there is a need for continued restoration, community investment, and dam removal to enhance resilience against future storms.
4. The Passaic River, spanning New Jersey and New York, continues to face industrial pollution as a significant threat. Despite being a crucial water resource with ten reservoirs and three drinking water facilities serving over 2 million people, contamination from the chemical manufacturing industry remains a pressing issue. Efforts to clean up the pollution and restore the river are underway, with a comprehensive plan in place. Continued federal support is essential to complete this cleanup successfully, leading to the restoration of fisheries and the enhancement of the river’s ecosystem.
Tourism and leisure activities, job creation, and enhancement of public health are essential aspects of the river restoration process. Additionally, we encourage local residents to familiarize themselves with the river and actively participate in shaping its revitalization.
The Rio Grande in Texas is the nation’s third-longest river, serving as a water source for over 6 million people. Despite its significance, the lower basin faces challenges such as water scarcity, overallocation, aging infrastructure, and border policies. The river is crucial for the economic, cultural, and ecological well-being of communities in the United States and Mexico. Efforts are underway to address these threats through the Binational Environmental Working Group, advocating for federal funding to sustain the river’s vital role.
Virginia’s Rappahannock River, spanning 195 miles, plays a pivotal role in the state’s economy and agriculture, serving as a drinking water source. However, water mismanagement and inadequate planning jeopardize its sustainability. Population growth, industrial expansion, and declining groundwater levels pose significant threats, emphasizing the need for coordinated water supply plans to protect the river’s future.
The Clearwater River Basin in Idaho comprises various tributaries and is critical for the Nez Perce Tribe’s conservation efforts to restore fish populations. Despite conservation initiatives, activities like commercial logging, dredge mining, and dam construction continue to endanger the basin and its inhabitants, including Chinook salmon, steelhead, and other fish species. Protecting this valuable resource requires careful land management practices to prevent habitat destruction and water pollution.
“Preserving the pristine nature of these exceptional rivers is paramount. The Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forest needs to find a better balance to protect clean water and other values from potential degradation caused by timber harvest and other activities. Alaska’s Susitna River, stretching over 300 miles with a watershed nearly the size of West Virginia, is a crucial resource for salmon harvesting, hunting, recreation, and tourism. However, threats such as road construction, mining, and pollution endanger the river and its wildlife. Similarly, the Calcasieu River in Southwest Louisiana, spanning around 200 miles, is a vital habitat for fish and wildlife, including the famous pink dolphin Pinky. Pollution risks jeopardize the river’s ecosystem and the seafood industry it supports. In West Virginia, the Gauley River, known for its scenic beauty, faces contamination from coal mining activities. To protect these valuable waterways and their surrounding communities, it is essential to address pollution threats and ensure sustainable management practices are in place.”
