The value of water in alternate uses is required in all situations where water allocation mechanisms have to be activated, or where conflicts in its use develop. Irrigation being a major water user in the prairie provinces, as well as in Saskatchewan, has come under some public scrutiny. In this study an historical value of water in irrigation has been estimated using the concept of producer surplus. The value of irrigation water was estimated both from private (farmer) as well as society#x2019;s accounting stance. In the long-run, value of water for the farmer is estimated at $78.82 per ha in 1986 dollars or $20.70 per dam3, whereas from society#x2019;s accounting stance, the value was -$249.57 per ha in 1986 dollars, or -$65.52 per dam3. These results suggest that the long-run value of water in irrigation is positive only from the farmers#x2019; standpoint. Under present crop mix and cultural practices, society has not realized a positive value for irrigation water.
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