The Rappahannock River is #6
on the American River’s 2025 Most Endangered Rivers List
The Rappahannock is one of Virginia’s most iconic waterways — supplying drinking water, supporting agriculture and fisheries, and offering outstanding recreation. It’s also the longest free-flowing river in Virginia, sustaining diverse fish and wildlife populations while serving a rapidly growing region.
But right now, the river faces an urgent threat: a lack of coordinated, basin-wide water supply planning.
Fragmented water management and increasing surface water withdrawals are putting the health of the river — and the people who depend on it — at risk. Despite new regulations requiring regional water supply plans, the five planning regions within the Rappahannock watershed are not required to work together. And new water intake permits, issued without robust scientific analysis, could open the door to large inter-basin water transfers with long-term consequences.
“The Rappahannock River watershed continues to face increases in demand for water resources. It is critical that we plan to ensure that the river can supply enough water for all beneficial users into the future. This can only be achieved by the creation of a comprehensive basin-wide water supply plan that can be used to inform wise water use decisions.” Brent Hunsinger, Advocacy and Coastal Programs Director, Friends of the Rappahannock.
WE NEED YOUR VOICE
To secure the river’s future, we must urge the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) to adopt a comprehensive, science-based water management strategy — one that protects clean water, ensures reliable access for all, and safeguards the Rappahannock for generations to come.
Many thanks to our partners, the Rappahannock Indian Tribe and the Southern Environmental Law Center, for assisting FOR in getting this designation from American Rivers.
News Articles related to the Rappahannock River’s Most Endangered River’s Status.
Free Lance Star – Rappahannock River included on national danger list
Fredericksburg Free Press – Rappahannock named to list of America’s most endangered rivers
The Progress Index – Virginia’s Rappahannock River among nation’s top 10 ‘endangered’ waterways: Here’s why
CBS News– America’s Most Endangered Rivers of 2025 highlights threats to 10 US waterways. See the list.
National Parks Traveler – National Park Units Dot America’s Most Endangered Rivers List
WVTF – The Rappahannock ranks 6th when it comes to endangered rivers
For additional questions, reach out to Brent Hunsinger, Advocacy and Coastal Programs Director, Friends of the Rappahannock.