The Most Endangered River In The Nation

The Sante Fe River in New Mexico has been rated the most endangered river in the nation by the environmental group American Rivers.

1 minute read

April 17, 2007, 11:00 AM PDT

By Nate Berg


The Sante Fe River, which provides more than one-third of the city's drinking water, has been named the nation's most endangered river.

Part of the problem is that the river's flow has been sharply reduced in recent years due to excessive use and contamination. Many say the river has been used as a "sewer". The reduced flow alters the length of the river, often causing this tributary of Rio Grande to "peter out" before reaching the bigger river.

"The American Rivers group says the river must be cleaned up - and it shouldn't be siphoned off for other purposes, either."

Tuesday, April 17, 2007 in NPR

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