Map Shows Rivers Most at Risk as Drinking Water Warning Issued

A new report published this week spotlights some of the most-threatened rivers in the United States and provides potential solutions to the problems.

American Rivers, an organization with a national effort to protect and restore all rivers, published the report on Monday, listing the top 10 most-endangered rivers in the U.S. Threats ranged from pollution to highway development to overconsumption and impacts to drinking water and the environment. These are present across the country, spanning more than a dozen rivers in 11 states.

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

American Rivers also provided potential solutions to the rivers’ threats, and Kiernan told Newsweek that the organization’s proposals have been taken seriously in the past.

For example, officials are in the process of removing dams at the Klamath River in Oregon, and a proposed mine was stopped that impacted the Boundary Waters in Minnesota.

“We are dependent on our rivers,” Kiernan said. “Our livelihoods, our lives depend on clean water. This Most Endangered Rivers report is an opportunity for Americans to speak up on behalf of our drinking water, to protect these places with which our lives depend.”

Below is a list of states with the most endangered rivers in this year’s report:

New Mexico

The report said that a recent Supreme Court ruling caused nearly all of New Mexico’s streams and wetlands to be vulnerable to pollution. This can cause downstream impacts to the Rio Grande, Gila, San Juan and Pecos Rivers.

“Reductions in federal Clean Water Act protections across New Mexico have left our state’s rivers. It is time for New Mexico to adopt a comprehensive state surface water permitting program that protects our streams and wetlands from pollution,” said Rachel Conn, the deputy director of Amigos Bravos, a statewide river conservation organization.

New Mexico’s rivers provide clean drinking water to a majority of the state’s population.

Mississippi

The second state with the most endangered rivers is Mississippi, where the Big Sunflower and Yazoo Rivers are at risk of wetland destruction. The report said the Yazoo Backwater Pumps project, which is to address flood protection in the area, could cause damage to thousands of acres of wetlands.

Tennessee

The Duck River in Tennessee ranks third, and it is at risk because of excessive water withdrawals. The river provides clean drinking water to the community.

“Right now, we’re on a collision course. [The Duck River] is our lifeblood, but poorly planned growth will suck the river dry. The good news is, we can change course and wisely manage our water to protect the river, our economy, and quality of life,” said Grace Stranch, CEO of Harpeth Conservancy, a science-based conservation organization.

Arizona

The Santa Cruz River in Arizona has recently started to recover after drying up, but climate change and water scarcity could reverse its recovery progress.

“Given the threats of climate change and legislation, the story of the Santa Cruz River is a bellwether for the entire nation. With local and nationwide support, we intend to bring the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service here to southern Arizona to establish a Santa Cruz River Urban National Wildlife Refuge,” Santa Cruz River Program Director Dr. Luke Cole said in the report.

The Carolinas

The Little Pee Dee River through North Carolina and South Carolina is at risk because of pending highway development, the report said. The authors urge residents to tell South Carolina legislature to deny funding for the construction of Interstate 73 and pass legislation to protect wetlands no longer covered under the Clean Water Act.

Connecticut and Massachusetts

The Farmington River, a drinking water source for nearly 400,000 people in Connecticut and Massachusetts, is impacted by the Rainbow Dam. This is “sapping life from the river” by blocking fish migration and encouraging toxic algae blooms that have been harmful to people, pets, and wildlife, the report said. The authors advised that dam operations must meet reasonable standards to preserve the river’s health.

California

The Trinity River in California is at risk of overconsumption, as excessive water withdrawals have depleted it. Tribal communities in the area are impacted, as they use the river to provide fish to their communities. The report urges California officials to “honor Tribal water rights, protect carryover storage, and maintain cold water temperatures on the Trinity River” to protect fish populations that feed the tribal communities.

The Tijuana River in California also ranked among the most endangered rivers because of pollution.

Alaska

In Alaska, the Kobuk River’s water quality is threatened by the Ambler Road, a proposed road and mining development that could damage its water quality, the report said. Communities along the river could be threatened. The report urged the Biden Administration to “revoke all permits allowing construction of the road.”

West Virginia

Highway construction threatens the Blackwater River in West Virginia. Corridor H, a proposed four-lane highway, would reportedly cross sensitive streams, destroying the river’s habitat and potentially polluting key tributaries.

“It would be a grave mistake on the part of the West Virginia Division of Highways and Federal Highway Administration, and a major disservice to local communities, to threaten the Blackwater River and simultaneously hinder the growth of the thriving outdoor recreation economy in this area,” said Olivia Miller, program director of the West Virginia Highlands Conservancy. “To those who know and love Tucker County—the Blackwater Canyon is the heart and soul of this region.”