Eastern Mancha Irrigation Infrastructures: JCRMO Assumes Management in 2026

Key data

Irrigators in Eastern Mancha have had a new direct responsibility since September 4, 2026: the operational management of four hydraulic infrastructure projects corresponding to the second phase of pumping replacement. The Resolution of September 16, 2026 from the Júcar River Basin Authority formalizes the first amendment to the management delegation agreement signed in November 2023 with JCRMO.

This step is not merely administrative: it means that JCRMO transitions from being a beneficiary of works to being the entity responsible for their operation, conservation and maintenance, with formal annual obligations to the CHJ and with the start of the Water Use Fee calculation.

What does this regulation establish?

The amendment modifies the original November 2023 agreement in three fundamental aspects:

• Formal delivery of four projects: The CHJ transfers to JCRMO the construction projects for hydraulic infrastructure completion of the second phase of pumping replacement in irrigable areas of Albacete and Cuenca.
• Assumption of responsibilities by JCRMO: From the effective date (September 4, 2026), JCRMO fully assumes management, operation, maintenance and conservation of these works.
• Activation of the Water Use Fee: Formalization of the delivery activates the amortization of this fee, which has direct economic consequences for irrigators integrated into JCRMO.
• Adjustment of validity period: The agreement adapts its validity period as a consequence of this amendment.
• Annual report obligation: JCRMO must submit a maintenance report to CHJ during the first quarter of each year.

The applicable legal regime is administrative. Any controversy arising from the interpretation or execution of the agreement will be resolved before administrative litigation jurisdiction.

Economic and operational impact

The most immediate impact for Eastern Mancha irrigators is the activation of the amortization of the Water Use Fee. This fee, linked to the delivered hydraulic infrastructure, begins to be calculated from September 4, 2026. Although the resolution does not detail the specific amount of the fee, its activation represents a recurring cost that irrigators must incorporate into their financial planning.

From an operational perspective, JCRMO now assumes the burden of:

• Maintenance and conservation of the four hydraulic infrastructures of the second phase of pumping replacement.
• Operation of systems in irrigable areas of Albacete and Cuenca.
• Annual preparation and submission of a maintenance report to CHJ, with a maximum deadline in the first quarter of each year.

Non-compliance with obligations arising from the agreement—especially the submission of the annual report—may result in conflicts of an administrative litigation nature, given the applicable legal regime.

Who does it affect?

• Central Board of Irrigators of Eastern Mancha (JCRMO): Entity that directly assumes management, operation, maintenance and conservation of the infrastructure, as well as the annual report obligation.
• Irrigators integrated into JCRMO in irrigable areas of Albacete and Cuenca: Affected by the activation of the amortization of the Water Use Fee.
• Júcar River Basin Authority (CHJ): Organization that transfers management and maintains supervision through the annual maintenance report.
• Managers and technicians of hydraulic infrastructure linked to the second phase of pumping replacement in Eastern Mancha.

Practical example

A community of irrigators integrated into JCRMO operating in an irrigable area of Albacete affected by the second phase of pumping replacement must take the following into account from September 4, 2026:

• The pumping infrastructure in its area is now managed directly by JCRMO, not by CHJ. Any operational or maintenance incident must be channeled through JCRMO.
• The Water Use Fee linked to that infrastructure is already in the amortization period. The community must verify with JCRMO the amount that corresponds to it and on what timelines it will be charged.
• JCRMO has the obligation to submit a maintenance report to CHJ before March 31 of each year. If the community detects deficiencies in the infrastructure, it must communicate them to JCRMO with sufficient notice so they are reflected in that report.

What should irrigators do now?

1. Verify if the infrastructure in your area is included in the four delivered projects. Contact JCRMO to confirm which irrigable areas of Albacete and Cuenca fall under the new management regime.
2. Consult the amount and schedule of the Water Use Fee. Amortization is already active from September 4, 2026. Incorporate this cost into the financial planning of your irrigation campaign.
3. Know the communication channels with JCRMO for maintenance and operation incidents, since CHJ is no longer the direct contact for these infrastructure.
4. Ensure that JCRMO has the necessary information about the state of the infrastructure before the first quarter of 2027, when it must submit the first annual maintenance report to CHJ.
5. Review the management delegation agreement and the amendment to understand the adjustment of the validity period and the conditions of the applicable administrative legal regime.

Official source

Consult complete regulation in official source

Notice: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. For specific decisions, consult a qualified professional. Source: https://www.boe.es/diario_boe/txt.php?id=BOE-A-2026-19835