Economically Driven Simulation of Regional Water Systems: Friant-Kern, California
Guilherme Fernandes MarquesJay R. LundMark R. LeuMarion W. JenkinsRichard E. HowittThomas HarterSteve HatchettNels RuudSusan M. Burke
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Abstract:
This paper develops and applies an economically driven simulation model for California's Friant-Kern system, a region characterized by diverse water sources employed predominantly for commercial irrigated agriculture, with significant local water trading activity. The economic-engineering simulation approach highlights the importance of representing user economic decisions for water systems in a context of complex physical and infrastructure systems dominated by economic water uses. The model simulates how water users conserve, select supplies and make water exchange and market decisions in response to water costs and availability, and provides estimates of economic and operational impacts of alternative policies for the Friant-Kern system. Results show that high surface water prices cause farmers to pump more groundwater, disturbing an existing conjunctive use system and aggravating regional groundwater overdraft.Keywords:
Overdraft
Conjunctive use
Water use
Water trading
Conjunctive use of surface water and ground water can usually increase yields at lower costs than more dams and reservoirs operated separately. There are three main types of conjunctive use projects: (1) Stream diversions; (2) dam and reservoir only; and (3) total system. There are many advangates of ground‐water storage compared with surface storage, and of conjunctive use compared to independent use. Physical, operational, financial, and institutional constraints may be encountered by the project proponents. Institutional issues may be the most difficult to resolve. Often, several governmental agencies may provide funds and have responsibilities for various features of conjunctive‐use projects. Implementation is more difficult in countries where surface‐water development has historically dominated water‐supply project formulation. Court decisions in California have provided guidelines for conjunctive‐use programs, especially in defining the rights of public agencies. Four areas in California that have experienced basin overdraft and increasing water demands, and where conjunctive‐use operations have been implemented, are described.
Conjunctive use
Overdraft
Conjunctive query
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This paper develops and applies an economically driven simulation model for California's Friant-Kern system, a region characterized by diverse water sources employed predominantly for commercial irrigated agriculture, with significant local water trading activity. The economic-engineering simulation approach highlights the importance of representing user economic decisions for water systems in a context of complex physical and infrastructure systems dominated by economic water uses. The model simulates how water users conserve, select supplies and make water exchange and market decisions in response to water costs and availability, and provides estimates of economic and operational impacts of alternative policies for the Friant-Kern system. Results show that high surface water prices cause farmers to pump more groundwater, disturbing an existing conjunctive use system and aggravating regional groundwater overdraft.
Overdraft
Conjunctive use
Water use
Water trading
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Conjunctive use
Overdraft
Water-energy nexus
Water use
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Abstract: The Rio Grande basin shares problems faced by many arid regions of the world: growing and competing demands for water and river flows and uses that are vulnerable to drought and climate change. In recent years legislation, administrative action, and other measures have emerged to encourage private investment in efficient agricultural water use. Nevertheless, several institutional barriers discourage irrigators from investing in water conservation measures. This article examines barriers to agricultural water conservation in the Rio Grande basin and identifies challenges and opportunities for promoting it. Several barriers to water conservation are identified: clouded titles, water transfer restrictions, illusory water savings, insecure rights to conserved water, shared carry‐over storage, interstate compacts, conservation attitudes, land tenure arrangements, and an uncertain duty of water. Based on data on water use and crop production costs, price is found to be a major factor influencing water conservation. A low water price discourages water conservation even if other institutions promote it. A high price of water encourages conservation even in the presence of other discouraging factors. In conclusion, water‐conserving policies can be more effectively implemented where water institutions and programs are designed to be compatible with water’s underlying economic scarcity.
Water trading
Water storage
Water use
Investment
Conservation Agriculture
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