Is the Ohio River Considered International Waters?

Learn why the Ohio River is not classified as international waters and its significance within the United States.

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No, the Ohio River is not considered international waters. It is entirely within the United States, flowing through or bordering six states, from its origin at the confluence of the Allegheny and Monongahela Rivers in Pennsylvania to its end at the Mississippi River in Illinois.

FAQs & Answers

  1. What defines international waters? International waters, also known as the high seas, are areas of the ocean not governed by any country’s jurisdiction, typically beginning beyond 12 nautical miles from a country's coastline.
  2. Which states does the Ohio River flow through or border? The Ohio River flows through or borders six states: Pennsylvania, Ohio, West Virginia, Kentucky, Indiana, and Illinois.
  3. Is the Ohio River owned by any specific state or federal government? The Ohio River is considered part of the United States and is managed under state and federal jurisdiction, without classification as international waters.

Watch More

If you'd like to learn more about the water boundaries of major U.S. rivers and how they impact state jurisdictions, check out our related videos covering the Mississippi River and the Missouri River water rights.

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