In February 2025, a Ukrainian delegation, including representatives from Odesa region, paid an official visit to the United States to learn about best practices in water management and the development of water user organisations (WUOs). The purpose of this visit was to study practices that allow for the efficient provision of water to agriculture, even in difficult conditions such as droughts and limited access to water resources.

One of the main stages of the visit was to get acquainted with the infrastructure and management of water resources in California. The delegation visited the San Luis Reservoir, which is one of the largest reservoirs in the state, and exchanged experience with the team of the San Luis and Delta Mendota Water Authority (SLDMWA). This reservoir supplies water to California's Central Valley, one of the most important agricultural regions in the United States, where crops are grown that are of great importance to the country's economy.

The delegation was impressed not only by the powerful irrigation infrastructure, but also by the high level of water management organisation, which includes a well-thought-out system of tariffing and monitoring of water use. During meetings with representatives of water districts, the delegation studied in detail the strategies for managing water resources in conditions of limited water supply and droughts, which allows for efficient water distribution between agriculture, cities and natural ecosystems.

Main characteristics of HVAC management in California

1. Seasonality and flexibility: Water for irrigation in California is delivered based on season and demand. Water users pay for water at rates that take into account both the volume of water and seasonal demand. Taking into account seasonal fluctuations in water demand allows farmers and local communities to plan more efficiently and use limited resources.

2. Increased tariffs during restrictions: In the event of drought or limited water supply, special tariffs are applied to encourage water conservation. This approach helps to balance water supply and demand during critical periods.

3. Integrated water resources management: California uses an integrated approach to water management that covers all stages - from storing water in reservoirs to distributing it through specialised irrigation canals and networks. This allows water resources to be stored during periods of surplus and used efficiently during periods of drought.

4. Monitoring and control: Water users in California are subject to continuous monitoring of their water use to reduce losses and prevent overconsumption. This helps to conserve water resources and support the sustainable development of the agricultural sector.

Given the experience gained during the visit, the Ukrainian expert Alla Stoyanova notes several important aspects that should be taken into account to improve water management in Ukraine:

1. Introduce seasonal tariff setting: Ukraine should consider introducing seasonal tariffication for water users, which would allow for flexible response to fluctuations in water demand throughout the year and ensure equitable water distribution during periods of drought.

2. Create more effective monitoring mechanisms: In Ukraine, it is important to improve water monitoring systems. The introduction of technologies that allow to control water consumption at each stage of irrigation will help to reduce losses and increase the efficiency of water use.

3. Development of water storage infrastructure: Ukraine needs to invest in water storage infrastructure to be able to provide water to farmers in times of drought. This includes the construction of reservoirs and water storage facilities, as well as the development of water conservation systems.

"This visit gave us an incredible opportunity to see how innovative approaches to water management can change agriculture. I was impressed not only by the level of technology, but also by the way they managed to strike a balance between environmental needs, the needs of farmers and urban communities. This experience is extremely important for Ukraine, particularly for Odesa region, as we also face the problem of drought and limited access to water. Implementing similar practices in our system will help to significantly improve water use efficiency and make the agricultural sector more sustainable and productive. This visit has opened up new perspectives for Ukraine, and we have every chance to implement California's experience for the sustainable development of our agriculture and water resources," emphasises Alla Stoyanova.

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