1. Texas Surface Water Resources
5/12/2018
Texas Surface Water Resources
15 major river basins
191,000 miles of rivers and streams
7 major estuaries
~ 200 springs
6 million acres of bottomland hardwoods and forested wetlands

2. Importance of Aquatic Ecosystems
191,000 miles of rivers and streams in Texas provide habitat for 255 species of fishes
With over 150 species of native freshwater fishes, Texas ranks among the most biologically diverse states
Texas ranks 2nd nationally in terms of angler days and the amount of money spent on fishing
Sportfishing generates almost $6.4 billion per year

3. Threats to Aquatic Ecosystems
At least five native Texas fishes are now extinct and three more are extirpated throughout the Texas portion of their range
~20% of Texas fishes are threatened with extinction or extirpation from the Texas portion of their range
With 31 state and federally-listed endangered aquatic animals, Texas ranks in the top five states for numbers of endangered aquatic species

4. Threats to Aquatic Ecosystems
29 watersheds in Texas identified as critical for conserving at-risk fish and mussel species
Of 281 springs that were identified as historically significant, more than 80 have failed completely
With over half of the state’s water needs satisfied by groundwater, a number of the state’s largest springs continue to be at risk
Population of Texas predicted to double between the year 2000 and the year 2050.