N.M. Stat. § 72-12-25

Current through 2024, ch. 69
Section 72-12-25 - Declaration of basin; nonpotable deep aquifers
A. An undeclared underground water basin having reasonably ascertainable boundaries that consists of an aquifer, the top of which aquifer is at a depth of two thousand five hundred feet or more below the ground surface at any location at which a well is drilled and which aquifer contains only nonpotable water, is subject to state engineer administration in accordance with Sections 72-12-25 through 72-12-28 NMSA 1978.
B. If the state engineer declares the type of underground water basin described in Subsection A of this section, all appropriations of nonpotable water from that basin for:
(1) oil and gas exploration and production, prospecting, mining, road construction, agriculture, generation of electricity, use in an industrial process or geothermal use shall remain subject to Sections 72-12-25 through 72-12-28 NMSA 1978; and
(2) all other uses shall be subject to Sections 72-12-1 through 72-12-24 NMSA 1978.
C. "Nonpotable water", for the purpose of Sections 72-12-25 through 72-12-28 NMSA 1978, means water containing not less than one thousand parts per million of dissolved solids.

NMS § 72-12-25

1953 Comp., § 75-11-37, enacted by Laws 1967, ch. 86, § 1; 2009, ch. 35, § 1.