This paper summarizes initial findings of a continuing project using airborne video remote sensing for the detection of point and non‐point source water pollution in subtropical south Texas. The study utilized airborne digital videography integrated with both air and ground‐based Global Positioning Systems (GPS) to study four sampling locations on both the Rio Grande and its former distributary arm, the Arroyo Colorado. Diverse sampling locations were chosen, based on the existence of known point or non‐point generated plumes. Color infrared (CIR) video composite imagery was collected and registered to ground coordinates via GPS. Resultant images revealed spatial variability in digital count values (DCV), thus spectral patterns, between pollutant plume and non‐plume waters, which relate to differences in water column constituents. Digital count value differences were statistically significant at the 0.01 level. Results demonstrated that airborne video remote sensing can be used to locate, identify and delineate both point and non‐point source effluent plumes in both the Rio Grande and Arroyo Colorado, two rivers with different water clarity. Potential uses of airborne videographic technology may include initial reconnaissance to locate undocumented pollutant plumes, the estimation of mixing zone sizes and configurations, basic description of localized river channel hydrology, economic and rapid temporal monitoring of known plumes, as well as estimation of potential plume impacts. This information would be useful in water resource planning, management, protection and environmental assessment.