this has been observed in northeastern spain for instance where irrigation modernisation has led to increased consumptive use lecina et al furthermore increasing water efficiency can lead to reduce recharge of aquifers reducing groundwater recharge which further the problem of groundwater depletion in critical regions like northwest india ward or the high plains aquifer pfeiffer and lin dam or infrastructure investments also can result in conflict and lead to environment problems and generally do not result in long term changes in the use of water in particular welldesigned water transfers have the potential to help alleviate agriculture water risks in the united states southwest cooley et al