Acequia Resources

Acequias, from the Spanish word for 'irrigation ditch', hold an important place in the history and culture of the west.  Cooperative programs offered by local, state and federal government help acequia associations build or restore diversion structures and ditches used for irrigation.

• Origins

The following documents may require Microsoft Excel, PowerPoint, or Adobe Reader.

Partner Agencies

• Internet Resources:
  • NM Office of the State Engineer/Interstate Stream Commission (OSE/ISC)
  • NM Acequia Commission
  • The New Mexico Acequia Association
  • NM Legislature - Water and Natural Resources Committee
  • NM Legislature - Capital Outlay Appropriations
  • USACE Permitting Website
• Publications:
  • NRCS Acequia Fact Sheet (PDF; 181 KB)
  • ISC - Acequia Restoration and Preservation Program (PDF; 287 KB)
  • COR - Acequia Restoration and Preservation Program (PDF; 223 KB)

NRCS Assistance

• Current Forms
  • Acequia Conservation Assistance Notes (PDF; 415 KB)
  • Acequia Assistance Request Cover Letter (PDF; 324 KB)
  • Acequia Assistance Request Form (PDF; 406 KB)
  • NM-ENG-251 Planning Form XLS; 842 KB)
  • NM-ENG-183 Approval of Plans (PDF; 429 KB)
  • Pre-Construction Guidelines (PDF; 403 KB)
  • Change Order Form (PDF; 216 KB)
  • Final Inspection Certification (PDF; 200 KB)
• NRCS Acequia Policy
  • NEM-NM- Amd 42, Part 511 - Design, Subpart A - Procedures (PDF; 200 KB)
    • See: NM511.03 Operating Procedures
      • (e) Community Ditch Cooperative Agreement [NM511.03(e)(3)]
      • (g) Distribution of Final Design Materials [NM511.03(g)]
  • Cultural Resources Clearances for Acequia Projects
    • (Coming Soon)
• Guidance
  • Acequia Forms Guidance (PPT; 2.3 MB)