Ohio River Follows Colorado River in List of Most Endangered Rivers, 2023

The Colorado River is the most endangered as of 2023, but the Ohio River is a close second.

Ohio River at Close Ranks With Colorado River

In a press release, American Rivers stated that the main threats to the river and its watershed are a lack of federal investment and years of environmental pollution due to industrial, agricultural, and municipal development.

Although they are dismayed by this report, the Kentucky Waterways Alliance (KWA), according to Executive Director Michael Washburn, is not at all surprised. The Ohio River as well as its basin have been ignored for a long time, despite its status as one of the most significant waterways in the country.

In addition to being the environmentally responsible thing to do, restoring and protecting the Ohio River is crucial for the health and prosperity of local communities and economies.

For millions of people in 14 states, the Ohio River is a crucial source of safe drinking water, outdoor activities, and economic activity. The river provides a habitat for more than 150 species of fish, WDRB reports.

2023 Most Endangered Rivers

The Colorado River in Arizona is listed as the most endangered river for the year. The Ohio River, which runs through Illinois, Indiana, then Kentucky, Ohio, down to Pennsylvania, and West Virginia, follows closely behind.

Pearl River which runs from Louisiana to Mississippi, is in third place. While the Snake River covering Idaho, Oregon, and through Washington is at 4th. Montana's Clark Fork River follows at fifth place, Eel River in California at sixth, and Lehigh River in Pennsylvania is at 7th. Chilkat and Klehini Rivers in Alaska placed eighth because of an upcoming mine for copping and zinc, according to KTOO.

Rio Gallinas in New Mexico takes the ninth place and Okefenokee Swamp in Florida to Georgia takes the tenth.

Also Read: Cow Waste Slurry From Livestock Farming and Fertilizer Pollutes UK Rivers Up to 300 Times in 2021, EA 

American Rivers

Water from rivers is used to hydrate citizens, grow their food, and keep their spirits up. As a result of climate change, flooding, pollution, drought, and habitat loss, the nation's rivers are now more vulnerable than ever. The only thing at stake is the health and safety of the populace. American Rivers supports a cause to safeguard and restore the rivers on which the entire country depends by working with the hardest-hit communities.

American Rivers claims that they have had 50 years of experience dealing with threats to rivers from coast to coast and assisting partners in protecting essential habitats.

By 2030, they want to protect a million miles of free-flowing rivers, and by 2050, they want to have protected half of the nation's rivers. In addition to defending some of the most beautiful and healthy rivers, American Rivers will concentrate on populated areas.

The quickest and most effective way to revive a river is to remove a dam. American Rivers will place special emphasis on areas that aim to resolve climate impacts and safeguard biodiversity in its work to reconnect as well as restore free-flowing rivers.

Health requires access to clean water, and rivers give communities that access. The group will see to it that the hundreds of millions of dollars provided by federal infrastructure legislation go to where they are most needed, namely to increase climate resilience, safety, and health.

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