An in-depth study of centuries-old community acequia systems in northern New Mexico reveals why they have been resilient.
Sam Fernald, New Mexico State University professor in the Extension animal sciences and natural resources department, reviews data while studying the Rio Hondo acequia. Fernald was the principal investigator in a 10-year study of three acequia systems in northern New Mexico. Seventeen researchers from NMSU, University of New Mexico and Sandia National Laboratory present their findings in a new NMSU College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences publication. (NMSU photo by Jane Moorman)
During the Rio Hondo acequia research, lines were placed in the Rio Hondo to measure water temperature. Many hours were spent measuring the relationship of the ground water, surface water and river flow in the Alcalde, Rio Hondo and El Rio acequia systems. (NMSU photo by Jane Moorman)