ABSTRACT
APPROCHE DES USAGES GLOBAUX DES EAUX AGRICOLES EN BASSE DURANCE A. GALAND, M. TERRAZZONI, C.FAYOLLET Société du Canal de Provence et d’Aménagement de la Région Provençale Aix-en -Provence, FRANCE.
Abstract Since the fifties, modem infrastructure has been developed in the field of irrigation distribution in Provence, South-East of France. However, a part of this region, representing 70,000 ha, is still irrigated with traditional methods. This area requires 1,5 billions m3 per year. Rhône-Méditérranée-Corse Water Basin Authority asked the Société du Canal de Provence to review the different uses of agricultural water between direct (irrigation) and indirect ones (drinkable water, industries, vegetation consumption...) in qualitative and quantitative terms. Changes in the management of irrigation systems has been tested on a 5,000 ha perimeter with an hydrogeological model of the Durance aquifer, so that the water authorities can evaluate the impact of traditional irrigation system and their possible modernization on both direct and indirect uses. This approach also illustrates the social and economical role of irrigation water in Provence, and its related stakes.
