#USA #Washington #Potomac River #American Rivers #endangered rivers

American Rivers Announces America's Most Endangered Rivers® of 2026

On April 14, 2026, the nationally recognized organization American Rivers unveiled the list of America’s Most Endangered Rivers® for the year, marking its 41st annual report. Alarmingly, about 80% of the rivers in the United States lack sufficient protection, according to data from the National Protected Rivers Assessment. Moreover, half of U.S. rivers are plagued with unsafe pollution levels, highlighting their status as some of the planet's most at-risk ecosystems, despite their crucial role in society.

Millions across the nation rely on these water bodies for drinking water, economic strength, agricultural irrigation, and recreation. The demand for clean rivers and water protection resonates across various demographics and political affiliations. With increasing threats to these vital ecosystems, it is imperative that lawmakers respond bipartisanly.

Tom Kiernan, the president and CEO of American Rivers, emphasized the urgency of protecting these waterways, stating, "Polluting and abusing our rivers will impoverish our nation and ourselves. We should not shirk our responsibility to protect our most precious resource — our nation's freshwater. Rivers are the foundation from which our nation has grown, and if we allow vital water supplies to diminish and degrade, our children and the generations still to come will pay the price."

Selection Criteria

American Rivers gathers nominations from individuals and organizations nationwide to identify the Most Endangered Rivers. The selection process is based on three primary criteria:
1. Major Decision Impact - This pertains to a crucial decision that the public can influence within the upcoming year.
2. Significance to Community - Evaluating the importance of the river to the public and local ecosystems.
3. Threat Magnitude - Understanding the severity of the threat facing the river and its communities.

America's Most Endangered Rivers® of 2026

1. Potomac River - The rapid, uncontrolled expansion of data centers threatens the drinking water supply for Washington D.C. and surrounding areas, compounded by a historic sewage spill raising concerns about aging infrastructure.
2. San Joaquin - A proposed massive gravel mine threatens drinking water supplies in Fresno, potentially reversing significant progress made in salmon restoration efforts.
3. Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness - Plans for the Twin Metals mine pose risks of acid-mine drainage in this iconic wilderness area, endangering clean water, wildlife, and the local recreation economy.
4. Lumber River - Adverse effects from toxic substances such as PFAS pollution are pushing this Wild and Scenic River to its limits.
5. Rogue River - Potential mining pollution and loss of protections under the Roadless Rule jeopardize this river's salmon runs and its incredible recreational value.
6. Chilkat River - The development of a large-scale hard rock mine threatens habitats for various fish and wildlife species and would cause irrevocable harm to Alaskan Native communities.
7. Nissequogue River - The failure of a dam, releasing a major section of Long Island's largest river, may lead to threats against its fish and wildlife recovery if replaced.
8. Dan River - Ongoing pipeline construction raises risks of pollution to drinking-water sources and augments flood risks for downstream communities.
9. Amargosa River - Mining operations threaten this vital desert river's drinking-water supplies and the diverse species that depend on it.
10. Suwannee River - The river faces overwhelming pressure from excessive water withdrawals and pollution from sewage and agriculture.

American Rivers works tirelessly to improve the health of rivers across the nation, believing that life relies on these waterways. Their mission includes the promotion of evidence-based solutions alongside strong partnerships aimed at preserving the 4.4 million miles of rivers and streams critical for clean drinking water and wildlife. For over half a century, the organization and its supporters have held the conviction that "Life Depends on Rivers," reinforcing the fundamental importance of safeguarding these invaluable ecosystems. More information can be found at AmericanRivers.org.