Optimizing water management: Identifying strategies to enhance irrigation efficiency under drought conditions

Abstract

This study analyzes the water-energy nexus in a traditional, non-sensorized irrigation community under drought conditions (2020–2024) to identify management strategies that enhance irrigation efficiency. Electrical demand data from May 15 to October 15, when weather conditions are most unfavorable and crop seasonality drives peak irrigation demand, were examined using K-means clustering, which revealed four recurring daily load profiles each year. A subsequent analysis of these profiles showed a significant shift in both the distribution and variability of energy demand, with peak power reduced by approximately 40 % due to water scarcity. In 2024, following the implementation of new management strategies, energy use became more efficient: peak demand decreased further, a secondary peak was introduced to align with periods of increased river inflow, and daily variability was reduced. Finally, the temporal distribution of load profile was examined to detect daily and weekly trends throughout the summer campaign. The results confirmed the previous trends, highlighting the progressive reduction in water consumption during the drought, with the most severe impact observed in 2023. In contrast, 2024 was characterized by a more organized and efficient consumption pattern, following the adoption of improved water management measures. The findings underscore the critical importance of adaptive water management strategies during extreme drought conditions, enabling irrigation communities to effectively adjust practices in response to limited water availability.