chairs made of wood and leather. They still wear the typical black robes of the people of the “Huerta,” a region of high-density market-gardening surrounding Valencia. They are democratically elected every two years by the farmers who use the irrigation system in the area.


The water court meets to hear issues of when a farmer violates one of the statutes governing a canal and exercises supreme authority in matters of irrigation. Offenders are called to appear before the court, who examines the case. All cases are presented orally and in person. The court then deliberates amongst themselves and renders their verdict on the spot.


The whole trial is verbal and nothing is written down. Decisions made are absolute, and there is no opportunity to appeal. Over the years, decisions made by this court have been respected by dictators, presidents and kings. The trials are conducted in the Valencian language, which is spoken by the people who live in the Huerta. Sentences typically involve fines and are said to be imposed in “lliures valencianes,” which was the medieval currency of the Kingdom of Valencia.


Of the hundreds of water disputes that arise each year, just 20 – 25 actually reach the tribunal. Most issues are resolved through mediation — sometimes just minutes before the tribunal’s weekly session. On some Thursdays, no one appears at the door of the cathedral with a case, and the sessions are concluded quickly. However, the officials still show up and take their seats every Thursday, waiting as the head official calls out to see if anyone from the various regions has a dispute to bring to the court.


1,000 more years?


The ancient water tribunal has become a popular tourist attraction, offering a unique window into the past and, in a way,


educating the public about the importance of efficient irrigation and protecting the water supply.


However, its survival in the future is not guaranteed. There are two factors threatening farming on the plains of Valencia, thus affecting the survival of the tribunal: the reduction in the amount of land that is farmed due to urbanization and the aging of the population.


Only time will tell if this ancient practice of swift justice survives the 21st century. If you find yourself traveling through Spain, plan to stop in Valencia at noon on any Thursday and witness this small piece of active history.


Bill Thornton is a regional sales manager for


Watertronics. He has over 30 years experience in manufacturing, sales, strategic planning, product development and customer service in the industry. Thornton is currently a member of the IA Editorial Committee.


@IrrigationLeadr /IrrigationLeader


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Past issues of Irrigation Leader are archived at waterstrategies.com/irrigation-leader. irrigationtoday.org 35


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