Irrigated agricultural production represents about 72% of total agriculture GDP (Gross Domestic Product) of Southern Italy Regions. Total area covered by irrigated crops is about 1,680,000 hectares, and the estimated potential area for irrigated use all over the South Regions is about 5,500,000 hectares. Irrigation represents 60% of total water consumption, and agricultural areas with public water distribution networks are currently increasing. Therefore optimization of water use in agriculture is a key factor in rural development and agri-environmental management in South Italy context: optimal utilisation of available water broadens the possibility of enlarging the irrigated areas and, at the same time, reducing the environmental impact of water use. The environmental irrigation sustainability evaluation in the South Italian Land Reclamation Consortia irrigated areas, taking into specific consideration the interaction between land use, irrigation soil suitability and three different irrigation techniques, is one of the necessary tools to manage water resources in a more efficient and sustainable way. The methodological approach is based on the use of GIS (Geographic Information System) technology to integrate different data typologies and sources, and on the development of a set of qualitative evaluation parameters calibrated trough a soil-water model approach (SWAP). The model response allows to estimate the amount of surplus water exceeding the real water needs in order to minimize water losses by deep (ground water) and surface (ponds and runoff) ways. The aim of this study is to give to the Italian Ministry of Agriculture a supporting tool for outlining rural development strategies in order to plan the development of irrigated agriculture in South Italy.