Reservoir Management in Texas

Abstract

An overview of surface water management in Texas is presented focusing on operation of existing reservoirs. Rapid population and economic growth combined with depleting groundwater reserves are resulting in everincreasing demands being placed upon the surface water resources of the state. Public needs and objectives and numerous factors affecting reservoir operation change over time. The increasing necessity to use limited storage capacity as beneficially as possible warrants periodic reevaluations of operating policies. Comprehensive integration of water management strategies in response to changing needs and conditions could include improved reservoir system operations, reallocation of storage capacity between flood control and conservation purposes, integration of demand management with reservoir, operation, and conjunctive surface and groundwater management.