This paper analyses the water-energy nexus in irrigation districts (IDs) under the semi-arid conditions of south-eastern Spain. Three IDs supplied by different water sources and subjected to water scarcity over time were studied throughout a 10-year period (2002-2011). A set of performance indicators was selected to characterise water and energy relationships at three management levels: basin, irrigation district, and farm. Basin level was the largest energy consumer, representing 71-82% of the annual total consumption, which ranged from 0.95 to 1.55 kWh m(-3). Basin energy consumption increased depending on the water source as follows: surface water, recycled water, groundwater, external water transfer, and desalinated brackish water. ID level involved 12-15% of the annual total consumption. The highest values were attained in periods of water scarcity, when the available sources were those with higher energy requirements. ID modernisation resulted in slight decreases in energy consumption at that level. At farm level, energy consumption was lacking when farmers took advantage of the pressure head in the ID distribution network, whereas it was from 0 to 0.19 kWh m(-3) when the available pressure head was lost. Finally, water and energy productivities by the main crops were analysed. (C) 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.