DOES NON-CONVENTIONAL WATER USE IMPACT THE PERFORMANCE OF IRRIGATION COMMUNITIES IN WATER-SCARCE REGIONS?

Irrigation Communities (ICs) are crucial for sustainable water management in arid regions like the Mediterranean. To address water scarcity, many ICs have integrated non-conventional water (NCW) sources, such as reclaimed and desalinated water. This study examines the impact of NCW on IC performance using benchmarking, principal component analysis, and cluster analysis across 19 ICs in Murcia, Spain, from 2019 to 2021. Results show significant variability: top-performing ICs excel in operational and financial aspects but struggle with productivity, while larger, modernized ICs achieve high water efficiency despite supply variability and deficit irrigation. Regression analysis confirms that NCW enhances water supply reliability and overall IC performance but increases costs, particularly through desalination, which reduces gross margins. Despite these challenges, NCW is vital for regional water security. Achieving long-term sustainability will require technological improvements, renewable energy adoption, and supportive governance to reduce costs and enhance resilience against water scarcity.