An electronic institution based on Multi-Agent Systems for a water right transfer market in Spain

Abstract

In the actual environmental context where water is becoming a major concern, countries suffering from water scarcity like Spain, and more precisely its Mediterranean coast regions, have the responsibility to take the lead in the optimal use of water. Whereas all around the globe research is taking place concerning new ways to obtain and recycle water, countries with limited resources must make an additional effort to diminish as much as possible the drinkable water wasted by using non-efficient irrigation methods. Irrigation accounts for most of the drinkable water consumed by humans, so it is logical to think the biggest effort has to be done in this area. It has been widely discussed the benefits of giving a pecuniary value to the water, and thus establishing water markets where extra water can be sold instead of being wasted. In this line we present mWater, a tool based on software agents to establish a water market. Top efficiency procedures may be researched, tested and implemented, having a highly beneficial repercussion in the water utilisation in Spain and, in the near future, in other countries in the world.