Texas relies on two main water sources
Texans get their water from two main sources. Either groundwater – the majority of which is pumped from the Ogallala Aquifer – or surface water from sources such as lakes, reservoirs and rivers. In 2020, nearly half of the state’s water was used for irrigation, followed by municipal use. The Texas Water Development Board estimates municipal use will surpass irrigation by 2060.
Ogallala Aquifer
Other aquifers
Lakes and reservoirs
Rivers
Reuse
4.8 million acre-feet
53.3% of all
groundwater
4.2 million
46.7%
4.9 million
69% of all
surface water
2.2 million
31%
620,000
Surface water
Reuse
Groundwater
9 million acre-feet
53.5% of all
water supply
7.2 million
42.8% of all
water supply
620,000
3.7% of all
water supply
Irrigation
Municipal
Other usage
7.6 million acre-feet
45.1% of all water usage
5.9 million
35.3%
3.3 million
19.6%
Other
aquifers
Lakes and
reservoirs
Reuse
Ogallala
Aquifer
Rivers
4.8 million
acre-feet
53.3% of all
groundwater
4.2 million
46.7%
4.9 million
69% of all
surface water
31%
Groundwater
Surface water
7.2 million
42.8% of all
water supply
9 million acre-feet
53.5% of all
water supply
Other
usage
Irrigation
Municipal
7.6 million acre-feet
45.1% of all water usage
5.9 million
35.3%
3.3 million
19.6%