Certain populations of this plant have been negatively impacted by pollutants, run-off, boat traffic, and other changes to their associated waterways. Some populations are most insulated from these activities and have very few threats. The areas under the greatest threats (e.g. Hudson River) have seen the greatest decline in populations.

At this time, the management needs for this species are not well known. These needs would presumably include maintaining and protecting the high quality waterways where this plant is found.

More work is needed to determine this species habitat requirements. There is also a report of Isoetes acadiensis from the Adirondacks; however, since this keys out so close to Isoetes riparia, the specimen should be verified by another expert. Studies to determine the impacts of water quality changes should also be investigated. This would allow for a better understanding of the management needs for this species.