Does Non-conventional Water Use Impact the Performance of Irrigation Communities in Water-Scarce Regions?

Abstract Irrigation Communities (ICs) are pivotal to sustainable agricultural water management, especially in water-scarce regions like the Mediterranean. To address increasing water scarcity, many ICs have incorporated Non-Conventional Water (NCW) sources, such as reclaimed and desalinated water, into their strategies. However, their impact on IC performance remains largely unexplored. This study aims to address this knowledge gap by examining the relationship between NCW use and IC performance in 19 communities across the Region of Murcia (southeastern Spain), one of Europe’s driest areas. A benchmarking framework based on eight key performance indicators covering operational, economic-financial, productive, and environmental dimensions was applied. Principal component analysis reduced dimensionality, followed by agglomerative hierarchical cluster analysis to group ICs with similar performance. Finally, multiple regression analysis was applied to identify the main determinants of performance. Results reveal substantial heterogeneity in IC performance. The best-performing ICs excelled in operational and financial indicators but showed low productivity, while the second-best group, comprising the largest and most modernized ICs, achieved high water-use efficiency and productivity despite experiencing water supply variability and applying deficit irrigation. Although NCW improves crop water availability and overall performance, its higher costs (particularly for desalination) negatively impact gross margin. Ensuring the long-term viability of NCW requires advancements in treatment technologies, renewable energy integration, and supportive governance. The study offers valuable insights for ICs and policymakers in other semi-arid regions facing similar water challenges.