The Lower Kuban River Basin experiences an acute shortage of water resources during the growing season. Every third year is a low‐water period. The complex layout of rice irrigation systems requires reliable forecasting and skilful management. This article presents the results and methodology for determining the optimal operational modes of the Lower Kuban irrigation and drainage systems based on multi‐criteria analyses and trade‐off theory that ensure the reliable functioning of the water resource system taking into account contradictory requirements of water users and restrictions aimed at preserving the Kuban River Basin ecosystem. The methodology is based on multi‐criteria analysis and hydrodynamic modelling with the application of the ‘operating structures' module, which, according to a given hierarchy of priorities, allows the water users to fulfil the requirements for discharges and water levels during the determined time period at water intake sites and outlets within the river network. The developed computational technology allows a reasonable compromise to be reached in the process of negotiations between water users and water basin authorities. © 2019 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

В статье проведен анализ водообеспеченности агропромышленного комплекса Краснодарского края за 10 лет и на перспективу. Рассмотрены основные водопользователи и отрасли с наибольшим потреблением воды, такие как рисосеяние, животноводство и прудовые рыбоводческие хозяйства. Выявлено сокращение поливаемых земель в Краснодарском крае, снижение суммарного водозабора и оросительных норм. Выполнен прогноз водообеспеченности на перспективу до 2030 г. и предложены меры по оптимизации системы управления водным хозяйством.The article analyzes the water availability of the agricultural complex of the Krasnodar Territory over 10 years and for the future. The main water users and sectors with the highest water consumption, such as rice cultivation, animal husbandry and pond fish farms, are considered. The reduction an irrigated land in the Krasnodar Territory, the decrease in the total water intake and irrigation norms were identified. The forecast of water availability for the future until 2030 has been completed and measures have been proposed to optimize the water management system.