The first paragraph should be a self-contained description including the most important things to know; name(s) - both historic and current - in bold, location (continent/countries/seaboards), and notable facts about the river, such as longest, second longest, main waterway of a country, etc.

The narrative description of the course should proceed from the main headwater of the river downstream to its mouth, noting direction, size, major tributaries, human settlements, waterfalls, dams, and so forth. This should be at least a paragraph, may be several paragraphs for long rivers.

This section can include numerical data on length, volume, drainage basin, etc.

Info on water basins can be found at World resources Institute (site is down; archive)

Mention distinctive plants and animals associated with any part of the river.

The evolution of some rivers has been well explored (e.g., the Missoula Floods and their effect on the Columbia River). Such information should be placed here, with a suitable discussion of all POVs when possible. See also Glacial geology of the Genesee River.

Describe what is known about the different inhabitants along the river, along with a description of the scientific exploration expeditions/efforts.

A countless number of rivers have been used as means to transport people, goods, etc., and are still used so today. All such information should be described here. Stylistically, this can be a good segue from history, connecting past uses of the river to present-day uses.

List the tributaries, starting from the mouth and going upstream. Add important subtributaries in sublists. Major tributaries should be links if there is a reasonable chance of article content, minor tributaries should be just names.

List the cities and towns along with the river, also in upstream order.

List dams, locks, waterfalls, rapids, if there are more than a couple and/or they're not mentioned in the lead or course narrative.

Preferably refer to history, ecology, public policy, books, websites, etc.

There should be at least one picture, preferably a typical view. Important rivers should have additional pictures illustrating their notable features. Maps of the river's course and of its watershed are highly desirable.

Every river article should be indexed in list of rivers by name, and indexed in list of rivers by continent, along with its major tributaries.

Every article should have a category. If a river is restricted to one country, list in Category:rivers of country. If it runs through several, list in each country category.