Excess exploitation of groundwater has caused negative balance and irreversible decline of aquifer volume. In the present study, water balance of Neishabur catchment calculated using renewable and consumption index {consumption ratio to renewable water} in three years of normal, wet and dry weather. The optimum cropping patterns based on renewable water levels in the region was determined. The results showed that about 43,000 hectares of land were irrigated illegally. Also, the results of the study showed that shadow price of water in the spring was between 804.7 -1607, in summer between 200 -3050 and in autumn and winter between 0 -430 Rials. Estimates of farmers, response to changes in water prices showed that with increase in water prices, the probability of using water more efficiently would increase.
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