Water Resources Program

Program Summary

TPWD's mission is to manage and conserve the natural and cultural resources of Texas and provide hunting, fishing, and outdoor recreation opportunities for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations. As the agency primarily responsible for protecting the state's fish and wildlife resources, TPWD is in a unique position and has been given statutory authority to fulfill these requirements and its mission.

The Water Resources Program provides technical guidance, scientific tools, and strategies to restore and protect healthy aquatic ecosystems through collaboration with internal and external partners and stakeholders.

Every aspect of TPWD's mission is impacted by water. Texas has 191,228 miles of rivers and streams, 1,100 reservoirs, approximately 3,000 springs, 7 major and 16 minor aquifers, and 8 estuaries that span 3,359 miles of coastline and cover 2.6 million acres of estuarine habitat. There are 191 species of freshwater fish and over 200 species of marine and estuarine fish living along the Texas coast, and nearly all species of wildlife use this water to drink or as part of their natural life cycle. Texans use this water for drinking and in our homes, growing our food, in the manufacturing of goods, and to help generate power. TPWD participates in the management of water across the state.

The Water Resources Program provides technical guidance and policy expertise to the agency and external stakeholders on environmental water issues through four program areas:

Team Leader

Marty Kelly
marty.kelly@tpwd.texas.gov
(512) 389 - 8214