The Duck River is one of the most endangered rivers in U.S., report shows

The Duck River in Tennessee has been named as one of the most threatened waterways in the U.S. 

A new report by the conservation group American Rivers listed the Duck River — which flows about 270 miles entirely within the state — as this year’s third-most endangered river in the nation.

The river is popular among outdoor enthusiasts for its distinction as the most biodiverse freshwater river in North America, housing 22 aquatic snail, 56 mussel and 151 fish species.

“We call it the crown jewel of Tennessee because it is extraordinary in its biodiversity,” said Grace Stranch, the CEO of the Harpeth Conservancy, an advocacy group focused on rivers in Tennessee.

In recent years, the Duck River has become increasingly vulnerable to development. The report identified “unsustainable water use” as the primary risk to the waterway.

Water withdrawals are increasing

The Duck River currently supplies water for 250,000 people, but local water utilities plan to withdraw more water to accommodate the communities and industries expanding along the river. 

This year, the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation is on track to approve multiple permits to increase daily withdrawals from the Duck River. TDEC has already approved several permits and is considering four more that collectively represent a roughly 35% increase in river use. Under the permits, utilities will be allowed to withdraw water from parts of the river designated as “scenic” or “exceptional” by the state.

Conservation groups like the Harpeth Conservancy are calling on Gov. Bill Lee to protect the river. They want the state to create a science-based plan to ensure its future health. 

“The problem is that the permits are being put in place without really knowing the holistic picture and without a true proactive plan,” Stranch said. 

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When people take water out of rivers, ecosystems react. Misuse of water can result in a loss of aquatic habitat, bank erosion and lower water quality. Over time, it can even threaten the region’s long-term ability to use water from the river. 

Increased water use could also harm vulnerable animals. 

Courtesy U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

The Birdwing pearlymussel is an endangered species found in the Duck River in Tennessee.

Mussels can become “stranded,” which happens when water levels lower to the point that the little creatures get stuck on dry land. Mussels can move slowly with tongue-like feet, but lower water levels, especially during droughts, can threaten their lives. 

“When the water tables get too low, a lot of the different species can’t survive,” Stranch said. 

Mussels are disappearing 

Many mussel species in the Duck River are considered federally endangered, including the Birdwing pearlymussel and the Cumberland monkeyface. Across Tennessee, 42 species of mussels are currently on the federal endangered species list, according to the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency. 

Six species of mussels once found in Tennessee rivers were recently announced as extinct. In the fall, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service delisted the southern acornshell, upland combshell, green-blossom pearly, tubercled-blossom pearly, yellow-blossom pearly and turgid-blossom pearly mussels. 

Freshwater mussels filter bacteria, algae and pollution from water. Because mussels absorb pollution into their bodies, population decline can signal worsening water quality.