Increases in irrigation efficiency paradoxically increase overall water use (elpasoheraldpost.com)

The relevant concept is “consumptive water use”. Water as a carrier of sewage can be processed and returned to a river after processing, recaptured by the watershed. Water “losses” during transport by an unlined acequia returns (minus evaporation) to the aquifer. Water transpired by plants is released as water vapor and lost to that particular watershed or ground water aquifer...a true “consumptive use”, albeit not globally. Water law and policy often ignores the distinction between consumptive and non-consumptive water use. Yeah, you’d think…