Many parts of Iran are among the driest regions of the world. During the last century, the country has always been struggling to provide water for its ever-increasing demands due to rapid population growth, considerable industrial development, and raising living standards. During this period, vast irrigation development has made agriculture the chief water consumer in the country. Therefore, management of agricultural water demand and water resources in this section has become very important. As a solution to decrease agricultural water demand, in the last two decades, government has encouraged farmers to utilize pressurized irrigation systems. These systems cause water being delivered right to the crops, as much as needed. If such systems are properly managed, irrigation efficiency increases. The study aimed at assessing the role of pressurized irrigation systems in water resources sustainability. Azghand basin, located in Khorassan Razavi province, selected as a suitable case. WEAP, the well known water allocation/management model, was employed to study the effect of pressurized irrigation systems on groundwater storage. Results reveal that these systems have not helped the groundwater balance. In fact, these systems have made the case even more critical, because mostly are associated with an increase in irrigation area. To consider water resources sustainability, the study suggests utilization of pressurized irrigation systems be accompanied with a correction to the farmers’ water rights.

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