New Mexico Administrative Code
Title 19 - NATURAL RESOURCES AND WILDLIFE
Chapter 25 - ADMINISTRATION AND USE OF WATER - GENERAL PROVISIONS
Part 13 - ACTIVE WATER RESOURCE MANAGEMENT
Section 19.25.13.27 - ADMINISTRABLE WATER RIGHTS
Current through Register Vol. 35, No. 6, March 26, 2024
The water master district manager for each water master district will define each administrable water right by its elements as set forth in Subsections A through G below. In all instances where the state engineer makes determinations of priority based on best available evidence as set forth in Subsections A through G below, he shall publish a list of his determination of the water rights in the water master district for review and provide opportunity to affected water right owners to informally present evidence. The state engineer shall hear objections to the water master district manager's determination of an administrable water right in accordance with Section 72-2-16 NMSA. Filing of an objection to the water master district manager's determination of an administrable water right will not stay the state engineer's administration based upon that determination, pending resolution of the objection. Appeals from decisions of the state engineer shall be in accordance with Section 72-7-1 NMSA. The water master district manager for each water master district will define each administrable water right by its elements as set forth in:
A. a partial final decree or a final decree entered by an adjudication court of competent jurisdiction, subject to any state engineer permit issued subsequent to entry of said adjudication decree; or, if no decree has been entered, then;
B. a subfile order entered by an adjudication court of competent jurisdiction; or, if no subfile order has been entered, then;
C. an offer of judgment signed by the defendant in a water rights adjudication; or, if no offer of judgment has been signed, then;
D. a hydrographic survey conducted and filed in accordance with Section 72-4-17 NMSA or Section 72-4-16 NMSA; or, if no hydrographic survey has been filed, then;
E. a license issued by the state engineer; or, if no license has been issued, then:
F. a permit issued by the state engineer, accompanied by proof of actual beneficial use; and
G. a determination made by the state engineer based on the best available evidence, consisting of, where available, any filings with the office of the state engineer, field or documentary evidence of beneficial use associated with the right including historical aerial photography, diversions records of historical diversions, historical studies containing evidence regarding water use, and data regarding irrigation and water delivery system requirements.
