SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — "Bring your pala so you can do some Pilates."

Of course, William Gonzales is joking. No one in their right mind would use a shovel to do Pilates, and Pilates isn't on Gonzales' mind. Work is. His play on Spanish and English words that sound alike simply reflects his jovial personality.

But cleaning acequias, a time-honored tradition in communities across northern New Mexico and beyond, is no fun and games — especially when the work is accomplished with nothing more than muscle and a shovel as Gonzales has been doing on the ditch that irrigates his property in this forgott...