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.
UPDATE on Most Endangered Rivers Status: August 4th, 2025
Since the announcement of the Most Endangered River designation for the Rappahannock, our Advocacy Team has been working tirelessly to ensure that all beneficial users have access to water for years to come. The increased attention has enabled us to speak at state and local boards and commissions about the importance of water supply planning and the need to create cumulative water supply plans for the Rappahannock and other river basins in Virginia.
This designation has enabled us to work with partners and elected officials to fund a three-year Virginia Institute of Marine Science (VIMS) study of the cumulative impacts of surface water intakes on aquatic life and water quality of Virginia’s Chesapeake Bay and tributaries (James, York, Rappahannock). The findings can provide missing data to inform surface water permitting decisions affecting native aquatic species and salinity.
“The Rappahannock River watershed continues to face increases in demand for water resources,” explains Advocacy and Coastal Programs Director, Brent Hunsinger. “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. The Most Endangered River designation is a proactive tool to help us achieve this goal.”
We believe in a future where responsible development and healthy rivers coexist. That’s why Friends of the Rappahannock continues to advocate for science-backed policies and proactive planning with agencies like the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ).
WE NEED YOUR VOICE
Protecting the Rappahannock starts with informed action, and your support matters.
If this issue speaks to you, we ask you to speak up for the river. Every donation ensures:
- We can continue working with our policy and lawmakers to safeguard the Rappahannock for generations.
- We can continue fighting for a healthy and scenic Rappahannock for generations.
- The Rappahannock has a dedicated team to speak and educate on its behalf.
It’s your support that empowers our advocacy work and keeps the Rappahannock scenic and healthy, for all, throughout the watershed.
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.