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Literature Review on Rebound Effect of Water Saving Measures and Analysis of a Spanish Case Study

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Abstract

The hypothesis of a rebound effect as a consequence of water saving investments is taken analogically from the Jevons paradox models in energy economics. The European Commission (EC) alert about the consequences in water stressed regions that are investing heavily in modernization of irrigation networks and systems. This paper reviews the literature, linking water savings with water diversion and water depletion, both from theoretical models and empirical evidence from the published research. In order to increase knowledge of this phenomenon, a new empirical case study is presented based on a survey of 36,000 ha of recently modernized irrigated areas in the Guadalquivir basin (southern Spain). The results of the case study illustrates the conditions that may avoid rebound effect, although the results of the available empirical evidence and the published theoretical research are diverse and lead to contradictory results. Further research is therefore needed to determine the causes and solutions of water saving investment impacts and the possible speculative rebound effect.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. University of Cordoba, Campus Rabanales. Ctra N-IV km 396. Edificio Gregor Mendel, 14071, Córdoba, Spain

    Julio Berbel & Carlos Gutiérrez-Martín

  2. University of Cordoba, Campus Rabanales. Ctra N-IV km 396. Edificio Leonardo da Vinci, 14071, Córdoba, Spain

    Juan A. Rodríguez-Díaz, Emilio Camacho & Pilar Montesinos

Authors
  1. Julio Berbel
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  2. Carlos Gutiérrez-Martín
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  3. Juan A. Rodríguez-Díaz
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  4. Emilio Camacho
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  5. Pilar Montesinos
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Correspondence to Julio Berbel.

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Highlights

The present study analyzes the theoretical and empirical evidence that water saving investments may lead to increased water use and/or consumption.

Some authors suggest that if irrigated land expansion is not constrained, increased water abstractions are likely to occur.

When land expansion is constrained and water rights are controlled, water depletion does not increase.

The results of published research are diverse and have yielded contradictory results regarding the rebound effect as a consequence of water saving investments.

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Berbel, J., Gutiérrez-Martín, C., Rodríguez-Díaz, J.A. et al. Literature Review on Rebound Effect of Water Saving Measures and Analysis of a Spanish Case Study. Water Resour Manage 29, 663–678 (2015). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11269-014-0839-0

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11269-014-0839-0

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