This report examines the cultural and economic growth of the Texas Hill Country resulting from the construction of the Highland Lake chain. It compares the current political and social climate of the region with the historical past, and offers solutions to avert an inevitable collision between a rising population and the constraints of limited water resources. / text

As a town reliant on the waters of northern Lake Buchanan, Tow, Texas has been devastated by the state's ongoing drought, which began in 2008. For six years the water has been low. For the past two years, the lake has vanished. Tow locals say the problems stem from both poor water management and natural disaster. Water authorities contend the lakes are functioning properly, that the water has dwindled due to the large number of water users and the harsh and unpredictable Texas climate. Regardless of the cause, the lack of water in Tow has ruined a beautiful lake, destroyed individual livelihoods and crippled a small town's economy. This is the story of several Tow locals' struggle to stay afloat through a drought that could soon become the drought of record. / text