Lower Rio Grande
A river that sustains richly diverse communities, an invaluable agricultural economy, and important wildlife habitat is disappearing before our eyes.
Matt Rice, Southwest Regional Director for American Rivers
Most endangered rivers
Threat: Water scarcity, overallocation, aging infrastructure, harmful border policies
The Rio Grande is an icon of the West and the lifeblood of the American Southwest, providing water to over 6 million people. The river is a vital economic, cultural, and ecological resource for people and wildlife of the United States and Mexico. Despite its immense value to people and nature, the river has been under constant threat for decades. Today, the danger is nowhere more urgent than in the Lower Rio Grande basin where water scarcity, pollution, and overallocation harm the river and communities that rely on it. We must act now to protect the Lower Rio Grande and all life that depends on it.
American Rivers appreciates the collaboration and efforts of our partners:
- Rio Grande International Study Center
Protect the Lower Rio Grande
Urge policymakers to prioritize dedicated federal funding for water security, ecological restoration, and critical repairs to dam infrastructure on the Lower Rio Grande.