Some of the streams where this species occurs may be used for a water source. This development could result in a change to the stream that would make the habitat less suitable for riverweed. Other populations are threatened by water quality deterioration as a result of development, agriculture, and run off from a sewage treatment plant (New York Natural Heritage Program 2007). Negative impacts on rivers including siltation, nutrient pollution, and dam building have been considered threats to this species (Quiroz et al. 1997 in Philbrick and Novelo 2004).

Water quality of the rivers where this species occurs, should be protected.

Surveys to historical populations are needed to determine if these populations are still extant.