Application of MASSCOTE approach to evaluate and improve the performance of Gotvand irrigation and drainage network

Limited water resources and low productivity of water consumption in agricultural sector, as the largest water consumer, necessitate performance improvement of irrigation networks. One of the necessary measures to do this is to use a systematic and comprehensive approach to evaluate and improve the performance of irrigation systems. The MASSCOTE approach is a comprehensive approach for modernizing medium to large-scale irrigation systems in terms of improving water delivery performance. MASSCOTE helps evaluate and prepare modernization programs in a step-by-step manner. In this research, the performance evaluation and improvement of Gotvand irrigation network was evaluated using the MASSCOTE approach. Based on the obtained results, the participation of users and the integration of their opinions and logical demands in the management of Gotvand Network, can be the solution to many problems. Establishment of water consumer association will reduce the problems related to water abstraction violations, and make it easier for users to access and regulate their contracts. Modifying the conventional method of water distribution, by volumetric distribution method creates a good capacity to reduce water losses and improve productivity in the network. According to the calculations, the annual supplied water, leakage and drainage of the network are 1209.5, 113.2 and 771 million cubic meters, respectively. Based on the network water balance, the evapotranspiration rate of crops was estimated at 325 million cubic meters, and the net irrigation requirement was calculated using meteorological information, was 389 million cubic meters, which is 64 million cubic meters less than the evapotranspiration rate. According to the results of MASSCOTE, in order to improve the network performance, the water balance should be improved to better maintain crop water requirement. It is recommended to change the cultivation pattern to a lower water consume pattern, and to reform the irrigation methods, and network management structure.