Rivers in northern Alaska have changed color, turning orange due to metals released by melting permafrost beneath the ground. This discovery alarms scientists studying Arctic environments. Rising temperatures cause permafrost to thaw, unleashing frozen metals such as iron, zinc, copper, and nickel into rivers. The iron reacts with oxygen, creating rust-colored particles that suspend in the water and give the river its orange hue. These changes affect the river's acidity and water quality, harming fish and other aquatic life. Metals can block fish gills and cover spawning grounds, while sensitive insects at the base of the food chain face risks from altered water chemistry. The health of rural and Indigenous communities relying on these rivers for drinking and fishing is also at stake. Water treatment facilities in these remote areas are limited, increasing concern over metal exposure. Scientists examined water and sediments in multiple Arctic sites in Alaska. They confirmed that metal levels rise rapidly when previously frozen minerals meet air and water. These changes are caused by long-term permafrost thaw, not short-term weather events, suggesting a lasting impact on Arctic rivers. The disruption extends beyond visible discoloration. As permafrost melts, soil sinks and water paths shift, exposing fresh minerals and accelerating metal flow into waterways. Increased rainfall and warmer summers further boost metal transport. Researchers are using satellite images, water sampling, and chemical models to track which river systems are most vulnerable. The orange river color is just one sign of broader climate-driven changes that could reshape Arctic freshwater ecosystems for years to come.