Nerodia paucimaculata is found only in west-central Texas in the Colorado and Concho river systems, in Coke, Runnels, San Saba, and Tom Green Counties.

Due to its limited range, N. paucimaculata was considered a threatened species in the state of Texas.

[2] Nerodia paucimaculata was originally considered to be a subspecies of the Brazos water snake, N. harteri, but was elevated to full species status by Densmore et al. in 1992.

[3] The Concho water snake grows to a total length (including tail) of 16 to 32 inches (41–81 cm), and looks very much like N. harteri.

However, N. paucimaculata tends to be more red in color, and has no dark markings on the underside.