As water becomes more scarce, acequias offer a powerful model of alternative water administration and use. To maintain their viability, the acequia community must first address some key challenges. For example, acequias have operated informally for generations thus many remain unincorporated and without bylaws.

With the guidance of faculty and numerous pro bono lawyers, University of Colorado Boulder law students help address these challenges by (1) drafting by-laws and governance documents, and (2) representing acequias and irrigators in water rights cases. Students have also drafted a Handbook for Colorado Acequias and participated in the annual Congreso de Acequias, which is held in San Luis, Colorado.