ABSTRACT
Abstract The growing demand for irrigation water and the ever-increasing shortage of water resources claim for new legal approaches, for a water administration reform and for an active participation of water users. These changes, which aim at getting sustainable development, urge that the concept of "efficiency" be redefined. This is an ambiguous term and it admits different interpretations and uses in water policy, legislation, as well as in water administration. The purpose of this paper is to clear up the matter as regards its environmental dimension by considering the impact of new technologies, pollution control and water reuse and administration. The regulation of these aspects in Argentine legislation are analyzed, and some proposals are put forward. Keywords: Ecosystem, efficiency, irrigation, law, sustainable development, use, water quality, water use.
