American Rivers Announces America’s Most Endangered Rivers® of 2025 in 40th Annual Listing
Contact: Hawk Hammer, National Communications Director, Hhammer@americanrivers.org
Our Future Depends on Greater Investment in Rivers and Clean Water
4/16/2025 Washington D.C. — American Rivers is today, announcing America’s Most Endangered Rivers® in its 40th annual listing. With half of rivers in the U.S. containing unsafe levels of pollution, freshwater species going extinct at a faster rate than ocean or land species, and extreme weather driving severe floods and droughts, rivers are among the most threatened ecosystems on the planet. Rivers are also the primary source of drinking water for millions of Americans. They power local businesses, help grow our food, and support fishing, hunting, and other beloved traditions.
“Our water wealth is one of our greatest assets as a nation,” said Tom Kiernan, president and CEO of American Rivers. “But pollution and extreme weather are putting our rivers, clean water, and public safety at risk. When our rivers our sick, our own health and prosperity suffers. There is still hope for these ten endangered rivers, and rivers nationwide. We must come together to safeguard the rivers and clean water we all depend on.”
American Rivers reviews nominations for America’s Most Endangered Rivers® from individuals and organizations across the country. Each listing is a call to action for the solutions our rivers need. Rivers are selected based upon the following criteria:
- A major decision that the public can help influence in the coming year.
- The significance of the river to people and nature.
- The magnitude of threat to the river and its communities.
This year’s listing highlights how interconnected communities are with healthy rivers, as a supply of clean drinking water, as a pillar of economic stability and growth, and as a vital line of defense in the face of floods and extreme weather.
America’s Most Endangered Rivers® of 2025
- Mississippi River: Threatened by FEMA’s uncertain future and role in guiding floodplain protections and maintaining infrastructure that protects river health.
- Tijuana River: Threatened by out-of-control sewage and chemical pollution.
- Rivers of Southern Appalachia: Threatened by extreme weather impacts to unsafe dams and federal capacity to help recovery after recent hurricanes.
- Passaic River: Threatened by historical and rampant industrial pollution.
- Lower Rio Grande: Threatened by a mega-drought and outdated water management.
- Rappahannock River: Threatened by declining groundwater levels and a lack of water supply strategy amidst rapid population growth and expanding industries like data centers.
- Clearwater River Basin: Threatened by loss of 700 miles of Wild and Scenic River candidacy protections.
- Susitna River: Threatened by road construction, mining and pollution.
- Calcasieu River: Threatened by toxic and heavy metal pollutants.
- Gauley River: Threatened by toxic pollution from strip mining for coal in the headwaters.
Learn more about America’s Most Endangered Rivers 2025, including other rivers and our selection process.
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American Rivers is a national conservation organization working to make every river clean and healthy for people and wildlife. We combine evidence-based solutions with enduring partnerships to safeguard the 3.5 million miles of rivers and streams that are essential to our nation’s clean drinking water, extraordinary wildlife, and strength of our communities. For more than 50 years, our staff, supporters, and partners have been driven by a common belief: Life Depends on Rivers. AmericanRivers.org