N.M. Admin. Code § 19.27.56.6
The objective of this Special Order No. 156 is to take administrative control of the underground waters within a specific area of the state to provide for the orderly development of water rights and protection of existing water rights. The waters of the underground streams, channels, artesian basins, reservoirs, or lakes having reasonably ascertainable boundaries, are public waters and are subject to appropriation for beneficial use. The Tucumcari basin was declared and bounded by Special Order 132 of the state engineer dated July 7, 1982. The Tucumcari basin boundaries, as presently defined, do not include certain adjacent areas which are a part of the underground water basin having reasonably ascertainable boundaries and in which new appropriations of water might impair existing rights. Additionally, surface and underground waters in some areas within the boundaries of this extension may be interrelated with the surface and underground waters of the Tucumcari basin. THEREFORE, it is hereby declared that the area in San Miguel, Guadalupe, Quay, Colfax, Union and Harding counties comprising of approximately 5327 square miles and more fully described hereinafter is included by extension as part of the Tucumcari underground water basin, subject to New Mexico statutes, and the rules and regulations of the state engineer.
N.M. Admin. Code § 19.27.56.6