Decade-long study reveals resilience of New Mexico acequias

ALCALDE, N.M. (AP) — Culture and community are as much a part of the centuries-old traditional irrigation systems that some New Mexicans rely on as hydrology, according to researchers at the state's two largest universities and Sandia National Laboratories.

They made public their findings this week. Funded by a $1.4 million grant from the National Science Foundation, the decade-long effort centered on three acequia systems in northern New Mexico — El Rito, Rio Hondo and Alcalde systems.

“We wanted to understand the many facets involved in the operation of these systems and what contributes to their resiliency, not just the hydrology,” said Sam Fernald, a professor at New Mexico State University. “I think we found out some of those, including the importance of the culture of the community.”

Owned and managed by self-organized farmers, the community-based flood irrigation systems deliver water to sustain agriculture during scarce or uneven yearly rainfall. The New Mexico Acequia Association estimates 640 small-scale systems exist throughout New Mexico.

The researchers learned that the acequia system creates a responsive mechanism for the entire community to interact with the landscape and develop a specific water management approach.

“As the neighbors work together to maintain the ditches, a cultural aspect develops that provides cohesion for the community,” said Steve Guldan, an NMSU professor and superintendent of the Sustainable Agriculture Science Center at Alcalde.

The researchers also reported that acequias are adaptable. For example, if it's a dry year with little water available, the acequia commissions are able to keep the ecosystem alive. During wet years, they're able to expand the community's irrigated footprint.

The team of nearly 20...