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A benefit-cost ratio method was used in the economic analysis of the flood spreading system executed in the Gareh Bygone Plain, Iran. Its very high ratio (B/C=22), indicates that this system is a low cost method in desert rehabilitating and artificial recharge of groundwater. Although its effectiveness is very high, its environmental damages are very low.

From interviews with the beneficiaries, some socio-economic effects of the project were studied. Groundwater increase has brought forth the increase in irrigated areas, and has altered the rain-fed farming into an irrigated one. Occupation of the peasants who are mainly the Arab nomads, has changed from a traditional animal husbandry to agriculture-animal husbandry. Employment and income have increased, and the migration has decreased in the rural areas close to the project.