Texas has several legendary rivers that have shaped its history and landscape.
The Rio Grande
The Rio Grande forms the border between Texas and Mexico. El Paso and other cities bloomed along the Rio Grande border trade route.
The Pecos River
The Pecos River crosses the western half of the state through the Trans-Pecos region. The Pecos supported frontier outposts and cattle drives.
The Brazos River
The Brazos River runs through the central region around Waco, College Station, and southeast Texas. Early settlers relied on the Brazos.
Massive reservoirs across Texas provide water supply, power, and recreation.
Lake Amistad
Lake Amistad is a large reservoir on the Rio Grande along the border. It provides water to West Texas and power.
Lake Texoma
Straddling Texas and Oklahoma, Lake Texoma sustains the water supply for Dallas-Fort Worth and generates hydropower.
Toledo Bend Reservoir
Toledo Bend Reservoir on the Sabine River is one of the largest man-made lakes in the south at 185,000 acres.
Protecting Texas' scarce water resources will remain crucial to supporting its growing population.