Acequia (irrigation channel)

At Semilla Besada, we still use the irrigation system that was laid down by the Moors in the 11th century.

David clearing debris from the acequia

Some even say that this method of bringing water from the river to dryland farms was developed by the Romans.   The Spanish word for such a channel is acequia.   The name of the acequia that we use is the Encinillas and runs along about a 6km contour of the mountain to our land.   Above this system is the Acequia Alta, and below the Acequia Mescarina.   Most family farms will have water rights that go with the title deeds of the property.   We have 6 hrs of water rights each week, but this drops to one and a half hours in the height of the summer, when there is water rationing.

The use of this irrigation system has been in place so long that, everything now relies on its continuance in order to survive:  the plants, the springs and the people.   Each week David will go up to the river and open and close sluice gates in order to bring the Lanjarón river water into the Acequia Encinilla.   This channel is used by 6 families, although at one time there would have been about 50 families using this system, and a lot more water.   Once the water is running in the acequia, David will walk ahead, clearing any obstacles to ensure a swift passage to our land.   Once it reaches the area called El Pecho, it divides into three:  one channel continues to Semilla Besada, the other to our goatfarmer neighbour, Paco, and the other to the reservoir of an English neighbour some 3kms down the mountain.

Using this system highlights the need for co-operation and consideration.   Without Paco’s 36hrs of water rights, we would never get irrigation water during the summer drought.   It takes anything up to 4hrs for the water to reach our land, which is greater than our allocated water rights’ time!