San Joaquin River is most endangered in U.S.

San Joaquin River headwaters (Credit: cookfisher, via Wikimedia Commons)

Conservation group American Rivers has released its annual ranking of the United States’ most endangered rivers, according to a release. Topping the list is California’s San Joaquin River.

In second place is the Upper Colorado River, dropping from the top spot in 2013. The third most endangered is the Middle Mississippi River.

All of the Top 3 rivers are threatened by diversions or levees that cut them off from floodplains. Issues impacting other rivers on the list include damming, increased water demand and exploration for oil and gas.

Image: San Joaquin River headwaters (Credit: cookfisher, via Wikimedia Commons)