The reorganization of water users' associations in Mendoza, Argentina

Abstract

This paper describes the changes introduced in water users' associations in the Province of Mendoza, Argentina. Before 1985 there were 709 water users' associations, known as “Canal Inspection”, each of them in charge of the administration of an area of about 300 ha, corresponding to tertiary and quaternary canals. At present there are 21 reorganized inspections administering an average area of 6 000 ha. The democratic system for the election of authorities is described and the method of budget preparation and control is discussed. The advantage of reorganization is illustrated through the economic assessment of the “Reduccion Main Canal”. This canal irrigates an area of 13 985 ha. The annual benefits due to reorganization are estimated to total A 32 800 (US$ 41 000), being 2.1 times the annual budget of the Inspection.