Map: Who Protects Water?

Approximately 250,000 rivers flow through America’s landscape. More than 8,500 groups, Indigenous communities, and government agencies work at local, state, and regional levels to protect and restore rivers and drinking water. This map also shows rivers protected by the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act—celebrating 50 years in 2018—including 12,000 miles of 200+ rivers designated in 40 states and Puerto Rico.

Now anyone, anywhere can connect with these water protectors. Using the map is simple. Here’s how to get started.

  1. Search your zip code, or a zip code near the water you wish to protect.
  2. Explore regions by clicking on and zooming in on states, rivers, and tributaries. You can even see details to the neighborhood level!
  3. Check out Wild and Scenic designations, indicated by blue lines.
  4. Click on dots to view water-protector information. Many results provide website and contact information.
  5. Connect! Get involved with local organizations through networking and support.

Learn how to share and embed the map in your communications or website.

Note: This map is a community-supported resource and may have missing or incomplete information. Please use our update form to request changes. Don’t see your group? Become a River Network member to get on the map of water protectors! The map will be updated with new information on a monthly basis.

How to Share the Water Protectors Map

Did you know that you can share or embed our Water Protectors Map into your communications or website? Grow support for water work in your community with this map! Whether you’re on the map or a concerned community member, you can help your community get involved. Here’s how:

In the toolbar on the left-hand side panel, select the more tools drop-down (far right).

  1. Select “Share” from the drop-down.
  2. Copy the link code to share the map on social media or in communications.

– OR –

  1. Copy the embed code to embed the map on your website.
  2. Paste the code into a standard html iframe within a new page on your website.

Is your group not yet on the map? Sign up for free membership today.