ABSTRACT
A number of major legal systems specifically oriented to the development and utilization of water resources can be identified. A comprehensive examination of the three components --their interrelationship and the authority and power that can be generated to accomplish specified goals and objectives--provides the institutional insight to develop an efficient and effective irrigation water management program. The three components are policies and laws, organizations, and the system of implementation through planning and management. Major water law systems can be further classified as customary, traditional, or modern. Government organizations are generally formed at the national level and state or provincial level, with offices at the local level, depending upon the form of government and system of law. In the area of irrigated agriculture, the acceleration of construction, operation, maintenance, and rehabilitation costs have effected the demand for water by requiring more efficient storage, delivery, distribution, and application systems.
