This article, titled "Guest Editors' Introduction to Special Issue on Water and Rivers in the South (Part 1)," explores the significance of water in the physical and cultural landscapes of the US South. The region is home to a diverse range of water forms and is a hotspot of freshwater biodiversity. However, human activities have had a significant impact on water systems, including the construction of dams, pollution, and the introduction of invasive species. The article also discusses ongoing efforts to restore and mitigate these impacts through river restoration projects. This is the first part of a two-part special issue on water and rivers in the South.