Vital arteries

Besals or béals are channels that have been built to carry and distribute water where it is needed: plots of cultivated land, gardens, mills, etc. They were usually created and maintained collectively. The distribution of water to the various users was controlled by small sluice gates (esclafidors).  These were opened and closed at precise times of day, which were decided according to customary law – and could be subject to disputes and legal proceedings.