New Mexico Administrative Code
Title 19 - NATURAL RESOURCES AND WILDLIFE
Chapter 27 - UNDERGROUND WATER
Part 5 - THE USE OF PUBLIC UNDERGROUND WATERS FOR HOUSEHOLD OR OTHER DOMESTIC USE IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 72-12-1.1 NMSA
Section 19.27.5.3 - STATUTORY AUTHORITY

Section 72-12-1 NMSA provides that the water of underground streams, channels, artesian basins, reservoirs or lakes, having reasonably ascertainable boundaries, is declared to belong to the public and to be subject to appropriation for beneficial use. Section 72-12-1 NMSA further provides for the limited use of relatively small amounts of public underground waters in the irrigation of not to exceed one acre of noncommercial trees, lawn or garden, and for household or other domestic use. Section 72-12-1.1 NMSA sets out the requirements for the filing of applications and the issuance of permits for the use of public underground waters for the irrigation of not to exceed one acre of noncommercial trees, lawn or garden, and for household or other domestic use. Section 72-2-8 NMSA gives the state engineer authority to adopt regulations to implement and enforce any provision of any law administered by him.