Asked by: Glenn Roqueñi
Asked in category: home and garden, landscaping
Last Updated: 5th Jul 2024

Do Acequias still exist today?

Acequias, one of the few remaining commons in America today, are essential to survival and identity. In Northern New Mexico, the phrase "Water is the lifeblood for the community" is frequently repeated in high desert villages and towns.



Also, Acequias are often asked for their uses.

An Acequia (Spanish pronunciation: [aEIkja] or sA (Valencian pronunciation: [Es?”kia] is a community-operated watercourse that is used for irrigation in Spain, former Spanish colonies in Americas.

You might also wonder, "How many Acequias do you have in New Mexico?" 700

Another question that might be asked is, "What kind of communities does Acequias serve today?"

Most communities that still use acequia systems include smaller communities that adhere to traditional values such as farming communities close to the American-Mexican border. The system allows all members to take water and use it without restriction, but they must also contribute to its maintenance.

Why is Acequias so important for New Mexico's cultural history?

During the Spanish and Mexican colonial periods, acequias were common to be the first to be constructed together with churches or houses. It was vital to grow food that the acequia was found to supply water to crops.