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

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

3. Texas’ primary sources of water are groundwater and surface water.

4. Groundwater: Water found underground

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

6. 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:

7. Rainwater Recharges Aquifers

8. Aquifers feed streams, rivers, and wildlife through springs.

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

10. Surface water: Water found on the surface of the earth

11. Rivers, streams and lakes comprise Texas’ surface water.

12. Surface Water 191,000 miles of rivers and streams 15 major river basins

13. Texas has wide, shallow prairie rivers…

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

15. Slow-moving water in bayous sustain bottomland hardwood forests.

16. Surface water flows towards the Gulf of Mexico.

17. Rivers deliver important nutrients and sediment to coastal wetlands.

18. Our coastal wetlands buffer our coast from storms…

19. …and serve as nurseries for our seafood, including shrimp, crabs and sportfish.

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

21. Texans throughout history have shared water resources with wildlife.

22. As populations grew, the demand for fresh water grew.

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

24. Today, virtually all of Texas’ 1.7 million acres of lakes are man-made. Caddo Lake is Texas’ only naturally-created lake

25. These reservoirs provide drinking water to about half the state.

26. They provide opportunities for industry, development, tourism and recreation.

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

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

29. Sharing water with each other and wildlife is an unfolding challenge facing future Texans.

30. How will you conserve fresh waters of Texas?