Purpose:

Identify the factors that limit the capacity of users belonging to Civil Associations of Users, also known as irrigation modules: Valle de Santiago and Cor tazar of D.R. 011, to manage water as a common resource, conserve hydroagricultural infrastructure, and achieve efficient water use.

Methodological design:

A qualitative methodology was used in which users’ behavior was observed by group and individual interviews.

Results:

The results show that users are not able to manage water as a common pool resource, nor are interested in preserving or restoring the irrigation formerly transferred infrastructure because they do not consider it as theirs but as State property.

Research limitations:

The research was carried out in two of the main modules, it is necessary to extend the analysis to the rest of the irrigation district.

Findings:

Along with the participation of the government as a regulatory entity, it is necessary to promote the strengthening of Users’ Associations to improve water management and conservation of irrigation works.