The first small canals in the Mesilla Valley were dug in 1841, and more canals were dug after 1848, when Mexico ceded the region to the United States.
By 1897, there were five main canals, all north of Chamberino.

In 1908, the Leasburg Diversion Dam was completed.
Water flow was still unpredictable, with the river often drying up for several months.
This changed with the closure of Elephant Butte Dam in 1915, which regulated the flow.


The Mesilla Diversion Dam was completed in 1916.

By this time, the canal system served all of the valley.
The first small canals in the Mesilla Valley were dug in 1841, and more canals were dug after 1848, when Mexico ceded the region to the United States. By 1897, there were five main canals, all north of Chamberino.
In 1908, the Leasburg Diversion Dam was completed. Water flow was still unpredictable, with the river often drying up for several months. This changed with the closure of Elephant Butte Dam in 1915, which regulated the flow.

The Mesilla Diversion Dam was completed in 1916. 
By this time, the canal system served all of the valley.
Mesilla Diversion Dam