From the beginning of time, life has revolved around water.

Water supports all living things - humans, plants & wildlife.

Texas’ primary sources of water are groundwater and surface

water.

Groundwater:Water found underground

Nature stores groundwater in underground spaces in rock formations called aquifers.

Texas Groundwater

• OGALLALA• GULF COAST• EDWARDS• CARRIZO• TRINITY• EDWARDS-TRINITY• SEYMOUR• HUECO-MESILLA

BOLSON• CENOZOIC PECOS

ALLUVIUM

96% of the groundwater we use comes from these nine aquifers:

Rainwater Recharges Aquifers

Drainage Area Recharge Zone

Artesian Zone

Younger Formations

Older Formations

Relatively Impermeable

Edwards Limestones

Relatively Impermeable

Water Table Spring

Artesian SpringArtesian

Well

BalconesFault Zone

Edwards Water Table Aquifer

EdwardsArtesian Aquifer

Typical Cross-Section of the Edwards Aquifer Region

Land Surface

Aquifers feed streams, rivers, and wildlife through springs.

Groundwater is the primary source for water for irrigation in Texas.

Surface water:Water found on the surface of

the earth

Rivers, streams and lakes comprise Texas’ surface water.

Surface Water

191,000 miles of rivers and streams

15 major river basins

Texas has wide, shallow prairie rivers…

…and clear, spring-fed streams creating pristine habitats for unique

species.

Slow-moving water in bayous sustain bottomland hardwood forests.

Surface water flows towards the Gulf of Mexico.

Rivers deliver important nutrients and sediment to coastal wetlands.

Our coastal wetlands buffer our coast from storms…

…and serve as nurseries for our seafood, including

shrimp, crabs and sportfish.

Coastal wetlands also provide habitat for both migrating and resident birds.

Texans throughout history have shared water resources with

wildlife.

As populations grew, the demand for fresh water grew.

People built dams to control flooding and corral a steady supply of freshwater.

Today, virtually all of Texas’ 1.7 million acres of lakes are man-made.

Caddo Lake is Texas’ only naturally-created lake

These reservoirs provide drinking water to about half the state.

They provide opportunities for industry, development, tourism and

recreation.

Reservoirs and other water demands upstream can alter life in wetlands.

In addition to altering water flow, Texas' population is expected to double between 2000 and 2050.

Sharing water with each other and wildlife is an unfolding challenge

facing future Texans.

How will you conserve

fresh waters of Texas?