Last week, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced a series of investments to support community-operated irrigation systems, including the historical systems of the southwest known as acequias, to implement water conservation practices while continuing agricultural production as part of the Water-Savings Commodities Program.
Through the Water-Saving Commodities Program, the agency has allocated $15 million to help acequias in New Mexico and Colorado, the only places in the country where these historical systems are still operational. USDA will be working closely with the New Mexico Association of Conservation Districts and the Colorado Association of Conservation Districts to provide technical assistance, outreach, and education to ensure the continued ability of these systems to conserve water resources during ongoing drought conditions. This announcement also includes the preliminary selection of three Congressionally authorized Indian Irrigation Projects.
“The USDA’s effort, together with the ongoing partnership with state associations underscores the importance of community-based water management, providing farmers with the tools they need to thrive despite growing water scarcity challenges,” said NACD President Kim LaFleur. “These investments build on existing efforts by local conservation districts to enhance irrigation systems and ensure water is used responsibly while maintaining agricultural productivity.” Acequias are community operated water systems that play a crucial role in managing surface waters in high desert environments that not only irrigate fields but also replenish rivers, wetlands, and groundwater in the region. New Mexico alone has nearly 800 individual acequias that have been in place since the 17th and 18th centuries. The San Luis Valley in southern Colorado has more than 70 acequias that provide water resources to over 300 families. Other historical acequias in the southwest have been incorporated into irrigation systems and districts over the years. With the addition of acequias and Indian Irrigation Projects, the Water-Savings Commodities partnerships are expected to conserve up to 50,000 acre-feet in water use across 250,000 acres of irrigated land in production, while expanding and creating new, sustainable market opportunities.
