The Caliphate of Córdoba constructed a comprehensive canal system for urban consumption, industrial production, and crop irrigation. Islamic rulers regarded water as a social good and designed the canal system to maximize water conservation. With over 20 branches, the main canal "Acequia Mayor" channeled the brackish water from the Vinalopó River through secondary channels and partidores to crop fields. Upon reaching "partidores" north of Elche, the water flow split into the "partidor de Albinella" and the "partidor de Marchena". The "partidor de Albinella" diverted water into Elche for urban consumption and industrial production. The "partidor" supplied small industries ("i.e.", oil and soap producers), bathhouses, and local markets. The "partidor de Marchena" within the "Acequia Marchena" channeled water to the right side of the Vinalopó River. The "Acequia Mayor" on the left side of the Vinalopó River stretched south across Elche to the crop fields. Elche residents cultivated crop fields for human and livestock consumption as well as sale in local markets. The "Acequia Mayor" ended at a partidor channeling excess flow into two reservoirs. The canal system was maintained under Islamic rule until the Christian Reconquista.