The "Real" Red River Rivalry – Texas’ Battle For Water

The longstanding rivalry between Texas and Oklahoma is the stuff of legends. But this latest bout isn't a Mack Brown v. Bob Stoops or Dirk Nowitzki v. Kevin Durant debate to be held in the local pub. Instead, this fight is over the Red River itself, which will be heard in the United States Supreme Court, and will decide the fate of many water-depleted regions in Texas.

Texas' most recent drought is one of the worst since the "drought of record," (1947 - 1957). Most of the state (90%) is still experiencing abnormally dry conditions with 22% in extreme or exceptional drought, and Texas reservoirs have hit record lows for this time of year.

Texas Governor Rick Perry first addressed the dire conditions in his July 2011 Emergency Disaster Proclamation, stating that "exceptional drought conditions posed a threat of imminent disaster in specified counties in Texas." He renewed this proclamation in February 2013, immediately suspending "all rules and regulations that may