4.1.4. Connectivity

The IE policy has consistently poor results regarding connectivity, and all simulations fell into the category of unacceptable. Decreases (over 25.1%) in connectivity (Figure 3) are due to a nearly complete reduction of canal seepage resulting from canal lining and the reduction of deep percolation in the field due to precision irrigation technologies. From 2017–2050 to 2051–2099, connectivity changes from −28.6% in G1, −30.3% in U1, and −31.5% in N1, to −25.1% in G1, −28.8% in U1, and −29.0% in N1. The average decrease in connectivity is −30.1% in the short-term and −27.6% in the long-term. These changes show that canal seepage and deep percolation are important sources of recharge to groundwater.
