Tepetitlán (Mexico) Irrigation System: improvements in water distribution after transfer

Abstract

This study analyzes whether there was worsening or improvement in the distribution of water in an irrigation district after transfer to an irrigation district. The case of the Tepetitlán irrigation system has particular characteristics: the users refused to adopt a bureaucratic model for water transfer management, primarily due to high costs, and the irrigation system was transferred to an irrigation unit after a long resistance to the high costs. In addition, because of a conflict between the users, there are currently (2000-2010) two management committees. The existence of two committees is an easy explanation for the apparent deterioration in the distribution of water. To determine whether there was inequity and deterioration in the distribution of water, and whether that was attributable to the transfer, an indirect information-gathering strategy was used based on the analysis of crop patterns and the organization of the distribution of water within the community as well as among upper and lower communities and before and after transfer. The conclusion is that an unequal distribution of water had occurred in the water system prior to transfer and that distribution has improved as a result of the transfer; although in some cases it has worsened. Improvements in distribution are related to community organizing processes.