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Is Texas Still in a Drought?
Texas has faced decades of drought cycles, but is the state still in a drought today?
3 minute read • Last update September 2025
Is Texas still in a drought right now?
As of August 26, 2025, Water Data for Texas reports water supply reservoirs across Texas are 77.3 percent full, according to statewide conservation storage figures. The southern climate division (South Texas) shows significantly lower storage at 14.6 percent full.
Historic flooding in early July caused dramatic recoveries. The Highland Lakes system (including lakes Buchanan and Travis) rose from 51 percent to over 90 percent capacity within days.
Reservoir levels as of late August 2025
Understanding Texas’s current drought status requires more than just weather averages and rainfall figures. Reservoir levels are the most visible indicator of water availability for cities, agriculture, and energy production. While statewide storage has improved thanks to recent rainfall, capacity varies drastically by region. The table below highlights current levels in key reservoirs across Texas.
| Reservoir / Region | Approx. Percent Full |
|---|---|
| Statewide average | 77.3 % |
| Southern climate division (avg) | 14.6 % |
| Highland Lakes – Lake Buchanan | ≈ 100 % |
| Highland Lakes – Lake Travis | ≈ 90 % |
| Canyon Lake (Central Texas) | ≈ 68 % |
| West Texas reservoirs (O.H. Ivie) | ≈ 54 % |
| West Texas (E.V. Spence) | ≈ 15 % |
| Medina Lake (near San Antonio) | ≈ 6 % |
Understanding drought in Texas
A drought in Texas is defined via criteria such as weekly ratings by the U.S. Drought Monitor (D0 through D4 categories), combined with precipitation deficits, soil moisture, and reservoir storage data.
Texas is prone to recurring drought cycles due to its highly variable climate. Historically notable droughts include the 1950s “drought of record” and the 2010–2013 event, which peaked in 2011 with severe consequences for agriculture, water supplies, and ecosystems.
| Drought Period | Duration | Severity & Impact |
|---|---|---|
| 1950s “Drought of Record” | 1949–1957 | Longest and most severe drought on record. Statewide water shortages, massive agricultural losses, and led to development of Texas water planning programs. |
| 1970s Drought | 1970–1972 | Moderate to severe drought affecting crop yields and livestock production. |
| 1980 Drought | 1980 | Short but intense drought coupled with record heat, causing high energy demand and water stress. |
| Late 1980s Drought | 1988–1990 | Severe drought affecting much of Texas with billions in agricultural losses. |
| 1996 Drought | 1996 | Regional drought impacting water supplies and ranching operations. |
| 2010–2013 Drought | 2010–2013 | One of the most intense droughts since the 1950s. 2011 was the driest year on record with $7–8 billion in agricultural losses and widespread reservoir depletion. |
Source data for chart: Water Data for Texas Drought Overview
How drought impacts Texas communities
Effects on water supply
Some regions, such as South Texas, continue operating at critically low reservoir levels. Despite July precipitation raising levels, areas such as the southern climate division average remain at just 14.6 percent full. Meanwhile, infrastructure in suburban areas like those around Houston is under increasing pressure as population growth outpaces capacity.
Agricultural impacts of drought
The 2011 direct financial losses for Texas crop and livestock agriculture are estimated to total $7.62 billion, one of the most severe twelve‑month agricultural setbacks on record
Drought and Texas energy production
Drought reduces available water for hydropower generation and for cooling thermal power plants. Concurrently, extreme heat increases electricity demand, creating a problematic synergy that strains the energy supply chain.
Comparing Texas droughts to past decades
The 2011 drought was one of the most extreme in Texas history. Reservoir levels dropped sharply, wildfires spread across large portions of the state, and temperatures reached record highs.
The 1950s drought, often referred to as the “drought of record,” brought rainfall deficits of 30 to 50 percent below normal. This prolonged dry period placed extreme pressure on agriculture and municipal water systems.
Long-term data indicate that droughts in Texas are becoming more frequent and severe. Climate projections suggest an 18 percent decline in water supply combined with a 9 percent increase in demand by 2070. Without significant mitigation measures, these trends could result in multi-trillion-dollar economic impacts.
H2: What Texans can do during drought conditions
Texans should immediately adopt practical measures to conserve water and energy. Households can begin by reducing lawn irrigation and replacing thirsty plants with drought‑resistant landscaping. Fixing plumbing leaks and upgrading to low‑flow fixtures also reduces water waste. If local regulations allow, rainwater harvesting systems can offset municipal water use.
Simultaneously, energy conservation is critical during drought‑driven heat spikes. Installing smart thermostats and setting AC temperatures slightly higher during peak daytime hours eases grid load. Shifting laundry or dishwasher cycles to off‑peak periods helps avoid energy bottlenecks. Households should actively monitor energy usage using provider dashboards and adjust behavior as needed.
The future of droughts in Texas
Climate change is set to intensify drought cycles in Texas by increasing temperature variability and altering precipitation patterns. Forecasts suggest warmer, more erratic rainfall trends across the next decade. Pair that with population growth, and the outcome is clear. Without forward‑looking water governance and infrastructure investments, the state will face chronic water stress. Strategic reservoir management, upgraded water delivery systems, and conservation incentives must form the foundation of resilience.
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