by Jessie Thomas-Blate
#2: San Joaquin River
(California)
Threat: Outdated water management
The San Joaquin is Central California’s largest river, supporting endangered fish and wildlife, communities, and one of the most productive agricultural regions in the world. However, the river is so over-tapped that it runs completely dry in stretches, threatening water quality, endangering fish and wildlife, creating uncertainty for farmers, and leaving communities vulnerable in the face of more frequent and severe droughts. The California Water Resources Control Board must act this year to increase flows in the San Joaquin so that the watershed is healthy enough to support fish and wildlife, sustainable agriculture and resilient communities for generations to come.
