Ohio River
“Although the Ohio River spans many miles, it unites everyone; from those that draw their drinking water to those that recreate along its many diverse landscapes. We must protect the river so that we, and future generations, can have a fishable, swimmable, drinkable Ohio River.”
Jess Friss, Director of Community Programs, Three Rivers Waterkeeper
Most endangered rivers
Threat: Pollution & Climate Change
The Ohio River unifies 30 million people across 15 states, from New York to Mississippi. Protecting this precious resource is essential to ensuring the endurance of cultural identity, historical significance, biodiversity, vibrant river communities, and safe drinking water. But the upper river is threatened by industrialization and pollution, recently exemplified by the East Palestine train derailment. This ongoing chemical disaster underscores the vulnerability of the Ohio River and need for increased safeguards and durable funding for additional and continuous monitoring. To protect the Ohio River, Congress must designate the river as a federally protected water system and commit to significantly fund both the Ohio River Restoration Plan and Ohio River Valley Water Sanitation Commission’s technical upgrades.
American Rivers appreciates the collaboration and efforts of our partners:
- West Virginia River Coalition
- Three Rivers Waterkeeper (PA)
- Ohio Environmental Council
Protect the Ohio River
Call on members of Congress to add the Ohio River to the list of our nation’s great waters that receive sustained, substantial annual funding for initiatives to protect and restore the river.