Article Title
Abstract
Acequias are community irrigation systems in the villages and pueblos of New Mexico. They have deep roots in two ancient traditions—Pueblo Indian and Spanish. The Pueblos collected and shared water for centuries before the arrival of Spanish colonists in 1598. The Spanish settlers brought technical knowledge and institutional frameworks for governing irrigation systems, which originated in the Moors’ seven-century occupation of Spain. Both traditions remain important to an understanding of New Mexico’s acequia heritage and the continuing relevance of these “water democracies.”Today, these traditions must meld with state law as the legislature has provided that acequias are “political subdivisions” or local governmental entities with all the attendant rights and responsibilities.
Recommended Citation
Buynak, Brigette; Jerold Widdison; and Darcy S. Bushnell. "Acequias." Water Matters! 2015, 1 (2015): 4-1-4-12. https://digitalrepository.unm.edu/utton_watermatters/vol2015/iss1/9
First Page
4-1
Last Page
4-12
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Comments
2007, updated 2013 by Darcy Bushnell. Contributors: David Benavides, Hilario Rubio, and Ricard Trujillo.