Lower Rio Grande Declared #5 Most Endangered River in America

Stevie Quilo
Apr 30
5 min read

Life in the Lower Rio Grande River is under threat, according to the American Rivers Organization, the southern section of river that starts in Del Rio is endangered, and on its way to becoming a dry riverbed.

“As of April 16, the Rio Grande, the Lower Rio Grande, was declared an ‘Endangered River’ by the American Rivers Organization,” said Jessie F. Fuentes during the Southwest Water Coalition on Friday afternoon, April 25. He informed the group, “of the 10 rivers that have been declared endangered, the Rio Grande is # 5.” The designation starts in Del Rio and highlights major threats that are facing this region’s main water source. “It’s good because… they’re looking for ways that we can bring attention to the surface water and the ground water and the whole water issue,” he said, “we could use this designation as a public launching point to bring attention to our issues.”

Fuentes elaborated: “We could use this because, fortunately, it starts from Del Rio, that’s where the Lower Rio Grande has been designated, from Del Rio all the way to the Gulf. According to the information that they put out, 1/5 of the river flow is reaching the Gulf. So, the situation is dire. We need to pay attention to what is going on with the river, both the ground water and the surface water.”

Jessie Fuentes works with the Eagle Pass Border Coalition and operates Epi’s Canoe and Kayak Team. He said, “I have always been an advocate for the Rio Grande and making sure that the ecosystem and its watershed are taken care of… We’ve got some serious problems… The water, whether it's on the surface or in the ground, we’ve got to speak up for it and we’ve got to preserve it for our future.”

When asked why he thinks the water flow is so low, Fuentes rattled off a long list of problem areas: “Water mismanagement, the heat, the watersheds not being taken care of, security concerns, the bulldozing of islands in the river, the way they have accepted the flow. Now they are going to put 17 more miles of buoys right in the center of the river in the Rio Grande Valley.”

Eagle Pass has more than 1.5 miles of existing buoys. Fuentes said he has seen the international border security razor wire buoys in person. He said, “its strange how nature works, those buoys are basically becoming an island, and they have channeled water more to the American side and they are eroding a lot of the edges… according to the IBWC you are not supposed to put anything in the river that deflects the water flow.”

Southwest Water Coalition organizers met with more than 20 other stakeholders to discuss possible solutions for the water crisis

Gage Brown of The Border Organization led the Southwest Water Coalition meeting. Representatives from the city, county, nature conservancies, and local landowners participated. Experts from all fields joined the conversation; investors, policy makers, and environmentalists provided diverse perspectives.

Coalition members discussed the similarities and differences between water issues in Mavrick County, Kinney County, and Val Verde County. Brown said the spring in Kinney County has dried up. Fuentes said, “the southern side of Mavrick County is no longer getting any water from an irrigation canal that used to flow for 100 years.” Val Verde County Commissioner Precinct 1, Kerr Wardlaw, commented on the economics of the situation, how the endangerment of surface water is affecting life in Val Verde and neighboring counties.

What was once fertile ranch land is now bone dry. Wardlaw has experienced the negative ramifications firsthand. He provided a real life example, explaining, “we ran cattle on 38 fields… they’re not there anymore, the canals are dry, the hay is no longer growing…” Fuentes added more context, “the people who used to have pecan orchards, the cattle feed lot that was in the south, they’re gone, everything is gone… the sugar cane, it used to be the biggest, it no longer exists.”

Over the last 2 years, Fuentes has spoken to about 30 different journalists from all over the country, about water issues along the Texas border. He summarized: “Basically, we are setting ourselves up for a big catastrophe… Right now, the river is being mismanaged. It hasn’t been paid attention to the way it should. We need to do some radical thinking about what is happening here at Amistad.”

The Southwest Water Coalition discusses key details from the American Rivers designation announcement

The Rio Grande International Study Center (RGISC) provided key details from the American Rivers designation announcement: “The Lower Rio Grande—our region’s only source of drinking water—has been named one of America’s Most Endangered Rivers® in 2025. Flowing from Del Rio to the Gulf, the river sustains over two million people, vibrant ecosystems, agricultural economies, and borderland communities. But today, it is facing serious threats. Extreme heat, prolonged drought, and outdated infrastructure have reduced the river’s flow by over 30%. Less than 20% of its water now reaches the Gulf. At the same time, communities are being cut off from access to the river due to harmful border policies, deepening a disconnect from this sacred and vital resource. We urgently need federal investment in water conservation, dam repairs, and restoration efforts—including full implementation of Minute 331, a new U.S.–Mexico agreement to strengthen binational cooperation. This is a turning point. We can either lose this river—or restore it as a symbol of resilience, unity, and life.”

While this designation by American Rivers is significant in raising awareness, it's important to note that it is not the same as an official "endangered" designation under the Endangered Species Act. However, the threats to endangered rivers certainly overlap with the same factors that threaten the survival of specific species within the Rio Grande ecosystem, many of which are officially endangered.

In a letter sent to developers by Val Verde County Commissioners on April 4, concerns about endangered species were raised. The letter said: “Val Verde County stands as a testament to the natural beauty and environmental sensitivity of our region. From its pristine waterways and rugged canyonlands to the delicate habitats of diverse wildlife, it is a place that thrives on balance and respect for the natural world.” The letter was signed by Commissioners Kerr Wardlaw, Juan Carlos Vazquez, Fernando Garcia, and Gustavo Flores.

“Val Verde County is a nexus of multiple climates and regions it provides habitat and shelter to the following species; Devils River Minnow (Dionda diaboli), Black-capped Vireo (Vireo atricapilla) 2, Golden-cheeked Warbler (Setophaga chrysoparia), Jaguarundi (Herpailurus yaguarondi), Ocelot (Leopardus pardalis), White nosed Coati (Nasua narica Coatamundi), Zone-tailed Hawk (Buteo albonotatus) 7, Common Black Hawk (Buteogallus anthracinus), Monarch Butterfly: (Danaus Plexippus)… Almost all the above species are threatened and most are endangered. Many eco tourists visit our County with the purpose of enjoying the rugged outdoors and the wildlife that comes with it. Eco-tourism has and will continue to play a critical role in the development of Val Verde County.”

"Endangered animals, endangered river, endangered agriculture, endangered water, endangered life... If our regional water management continues according to the status quo, humans will be endangered next." Drastic changes must be made, fast. The City of Del Rio is planning to implement Level 3 Water Restrictions any moment now, as soon as the San Felipe Creek flow rate drops below 15 miles per day. As of April 24, the creek flow rate was a meager 18 miles per day, when it used to flow 30 to 60 miles. The Southwest Water Coalition is working together to figure out the best solution, but in order to make any difference, the whole community must take action.