Valoración del agua de riego agrícola en el valle de Zamora, Michoacán, México

The lack of water constitutes one of the main problems  of humanity, so it is necessary to manage this resource  with values of existence and legacy schemes; that is,  with non-use value.Efficiency in water use is a necessary  but not sufficient condition to ensure this resource  sustainability. The assessment of water for agricultural use  should undoubtedly contribute to strengthening decisions  support on the challenges and questions associated with  the imperative need to ensure the resource for present  and future generations (sustainability). This research was  carried out in the sub basin of the Duero River, Michoacan.  With the objective of assessing irrigation water as an  input in strawberry production. Results when applying  the method of productivity changing showed income  of $106 215.30 per hectare higher than that obtained in  maize and wheat crops, and a monetary value of water:  $3.67 m-3. The importance of water resource as a human  right does not mean giving it away, but a minimum level  of undeniable provision must be established above which  users must make responsible use and generate culture for  the payment of the ecosystem service and not only for  their administration. Social responsibility must be the constant in any economic activity; and it must contribute  to the conservation and maintenance of natural ecosystems  that provide ecosystem goods and services such as water.