Acequia Roles and Responsibilities

1. Mayordomo (Water Manager)

Oversees water distribution, ensures fair allocation, and coordinates maintenance of the irrigation system.

2. Comisionado (Commissioner)

Assists the Mayordomo with administrative oversight and enforcement of acequia rules.

3. Ditch Runner (Zanjonero)

Executes the Mayordomo’s orders by opening and closing headgates, monitoring ditch conditions, and reporting problems.

4. Parciante (Water Rights Holder)

Holds water rights, uses water for agriculture, and is responsible for contributing labor and/or resources to maintain the system.

5. Governance and Collective Action

Parciantes vote on water use rules, maintenance schedules, and resolve disputes through local acequia meetings.

6. Resource Contribution

Parciantes contribute labor during annual ditch cleaning (limpieza), and may provide additional support based on water usage or community decisions.