Keeping Our Texas Waters Safe For Generations to Come

Why Are Our Rivers & Swimming Holes so Low?

The drying up of Texas rivers is a complex issue rooted in a combination of environmental changes and human activity. Prolonged periods of drought driven by climate change are reducing the amount of surface water available. Meanwhile, increased demand for water with limited regulation on usage is depleting underground aquifers that feed many of these rivers.

Additionally, the disruption of natural landscapes by urban development can alter the course of rivers and affect their flow. These factors, among others, are contributing to the dwindling of our beloved Texas rivers. Yet, we can be part of the solution.

Serene woodland with a reflective pond under a blue sky with fluffy clouds.

Two people sitting closely on a rocky stream surrounded by trees.

How Can I Help?

Wear River-Safe Sunscreen

You may have heard of reef-safe sunscreen, but what about sunscreen that doesn’t affect our rivers? We should be applying the same rules to protect our rivers.

Traditional sunscreens often contain chemicals that can harm aquatic ecosystems, including oxybenzone and octinoxate. River and reef-safe sunscreens typically avoid these harmful ingredients and instead use mineral-based alternatives like zinc oxide or titanium dioxide, which are less damaging to marine life. These ingredients provide effective UV protection but do not dissolve in water, reducing the potential harm to rivers and reefs.

A person relaxing on a pink butterfly float in clear, calm waters with greenery in the background.

These do tend to be the sunscreens that leave that annoying white tint on your skin, but at least it’s a sign that you’re thinking about the environment.

Most of all, know your ingredients! Some can say they are “reef-safe,” but it’s not a regulated term, meaning it’s not guaranteed these products are actually reef-safe. You can read here about what makes a product like sunscreen reef-safe.

We tried our best to triple reference sunscreen brands that were safe, but please do your due diligence and read the labels. Some sunscreens we found were:

Additionally, encourage your local shops to carry river-safe sunscreen and discontinue the use of harmful sunscreens. I like to walk into shops and ask if they carry river-safe mineral sunscreens just to see what they say. Hawaii even banned sunscreens that aren’t reef-safe and I hope we’re not far behind.

People kayaking on a calm river with abundant green foliage on the banks.

People relaxing on inflatable tubes on a calm river surrounded by trees under a clear sky.

Wear Layers

Of course, in addition to this, layers are your best friend when it comes to sun protection! Consider wearing a wide-brimmed hat to shield your face and neck from harmful UV rays. Opt for sunglasses with UV protection to protect your eyes. Don’t forget to choose swimsuits with long sleeves or rash guards to provide extra coverage for your arms and torso. These additional layers of protection will help reduce your reliance on sunscreen and keep your skin safe from the sun’s harmful rays.

Large green trees with thick trunks growing by calm water with a bridge in the background.

Person floating in clear, serene water with autumn leaves in foreground.

Water Conservation

Water conservation is another key factor in protecting our rivers. The less water we use, the less strain we put on our rivers. Simple steps such as turning off the tap while brushing, fixing leaks promptly, and using water-efficient appliances can make a big difference.

Yet, our individual efforts alone will not suffice. To truly protect our rivers, we must actively advocate for more sustainable policies at the community level.

Clear kayaks tied to dock on calm water with a multi-level building overlooking the scene.

Two scuba divers floating on water surface near foliage-covered shore.

Why do Homeowners Associations continue to mandate lush green lawns, exacerbating water scarcity, when our rivers bear the brunt of it? Why do large corporations get a free pass on unregulated water usage? We need to challenge these practices.

By getting involved with local city boards and pushing for stricter regulations on water use, we can amplify the importance of water preservation. It is crucial that we take up the mantle of environmental stewardship, becoming the voice for our rivers and waters, and advocating for the systemic change required to safeguard our precious water resources.

Two people wading in a tranquil river surrounded by lush greenery and a clear blue sky above.

Person sitting in a serene river surrounded by lush trees and rocks.

Get Involved in Educational Efforts

Educating yourself and others about the importance of river conservation can also have a significant impact. Attend local workshops, share educational materials, and encourage your community to get involved in conservation efforts.

Taking the steps towards active participation in local initiatives like Texas Runs on Water and the Watershed Association can make a considerable impact on water conservation efforts.

Texas Runs on Water is a statewide campaign that educates the public about the importance of water conservation. Getting involved could mean anything from sharing their educational resources on social media to participating in their events.

The Watershed Association is an organization that works to protect water through land conservation and education across the Hill Country. You can join both, get involved in their projects, or at the very least, use their website, newsletter, and social media platforms as opportunities to learn more.

A vibrant scene with people enjoying a sunny day by a small waterfall and river near a building with a balcony.

A person wading in a clear river surrounded by lush green foliage under a bright blue sky.

Help Clean Up

Volunteer for local river clean-ups. These events not only help keep our rivers clean, but also create a sense of community while raising awareness about the importance of protecting our natural resources.

In fact, we have to go beyond simply not littering. This could involve picking up trash left by others, refraining from creating new trails in protected areas, and respecting wildlife and their habitats. By committing to leave each place better than we found it, we act as responsible stewards of our environment, ensuring that our rivers, forests, and parks remain beautiful and healthy for future generations.

Remember, every little step counts towards keeping our Texas rivers and bodies of water safe. Let’s all do our part to ensure these natural treasures are preserved for generations to come.