Environment & Climate

Atrazine contaminates 25% of continental US rivers, report finds

The Guardian reports that federal records show widespread contamination from the widely used herbicide.

Updated Sep 28, 2026 · 18:36 UTC1 reports

The short version

An analysis of EPA records by the Center for Biological Diversity indicates atrazine pollutes roughly 860,000 miles of continental U.S. rivers.[The Guardian]
The contamination affects over 20% of surface drinking water intakes nationwide and more than 675,000 private and commercial wells.[The Guardian]
Atrazine remains the second-most used pesticide in the U.S. despite being banned in 60 countries and linked to potential health risks.[The Guardian]
Public health groups expect to resume litigation as an EPA water pollution mitigation plan remains pending.[The Guardian]

Atrazine contaminates approximately 25% of continental U.S. rivers, according to a Center for Biological Diversity review of EPA records.[The Guardian]
The affected waterways cover over 20% of surface drinking water intakes across the U.S. and over 675,000 wells.[The Guardian]
Atrazine is banned in 60 countries, but roughly 70 million pounds are sprayed in the U.S. annually.[The Guardian]
In the Midwest corn belt, over two-thirds of river miles and 68% of drinking-water treatment intakes are contaminated.[The Guardian]

The final details and efficacy of the EPA's pending water pollution mitigation plan for atrazine remain uncertain.[The Guardian]

Outlet counts describe coverage, not independent confirmation. Reports may share a wire service or original source.