This article examines the issue of effective water resource management as a key factor in the sustainable development of agricultural production in the modern world. One of the most important issues guaranteeing the sustainable development of agriculture in the modern world is effective water resource management. Using the example of southern Russia, the need for an integrated approach to managing environmental risks to water resources, which are the basis for high-quality irrigation, is substantiated. The natural and climatic characteristics of the region, which determine the specifics of water use, are analyzed, as well as the degree of anthropogenic impact on the condition of surface and groundwater bodies. This macroregion, including the territories of the Rostov Region, Krasnodar and Stavropol Krais, Astrakhan Region, and the republics of the North Caucasus, is characterized by a high level of agricultural development, developed irrigation infrastructure, and, simultaneously, an acute shortage of water resources, exacerbated by periodic droughts and desertification. The natural and climatic features of southern Russia that determine the specifics of water use are systematized. These include uneven runoff distribution across territory and seasons, high evaporation, low river flows during low-water periods, and the increasing frequency of extreme hydrological events (floods and droughts) associated with climate change. The impact of human economic activity on the condition of water bodies is considered, including the discharge of insufficiently treated wastewater, water losses during transportation, violation of water protection zones, and the degradation of small rivers. Particular attention is paid to the dynamics of changes in the area of irrigated land and the level of pollution, emphasizing the relevance of developing a water conservation strategy. Government initiatives and programs aimed at protecting water bodies and improving the quality of life are considered. The introduction of modern filtration systems and automated water quality monitoring are proposed as practical measures to reduce environmental risks. It is concluded that the rational use of water resources not only contributes to maintaining the ecological balance in the region but also ensures sustainable growth in agricultural productivity.