2006 New Mexico Statutes - Section 3-27-2 — Potable; methods of acquisition; condemnation; conveyances authorized; land for appurtenances; public and private use; compensation.

3-27-2. Potable; methods of acquisition; condemnation; conveyances authorized; land for appurtenances; public and private use; compensation.

A.     Municipalities, within and without the municipal boundary, may:   

(1)     acquire, contract for or condemn:   

(a)     springs;   

(b)     wells;   

(c)     water rights;   

(d)     other water supplies; and   

(e)     right-of-way or other necessary ownership for the acquisition of water facilities; and   

(2)     acquire, maintain, contract for or condemn for use as a municipal utility privately owned water facilities used or to be used for the furnishing and supply of water to the municipality or its inhabitants; and   

(3)     change the place of diversion of any water to any place selected by the municipality in order to make the water available to the municipality.   

B.     For the purposes stated in Section 3-27-3 NMSA 1978, a municipality may take water from any stream, gulch or spring. If the taking of the water materially interferes with or impairs the vested right of any person who resides upon the creek, gulch or stream or does any milling or manufacturing on the creek, gulch or stream, the municipality shall obtain the consent of the person with the vested right or acquire the vested right by condemnation and make full compensation or satisfaction for all damages occasioned to the person.   

C.     Any person may lawfully convey to any municipality any water, water right and ditch right or any interest in any water, water right and ditch right held or claimed by the grantor. No change or use of the:   

(1)     water;   

(2)     water right;   

(3)     place of diversion; or   

(4)     purpose for which the water or water right was originally acquired by the grantor, shall invalidate the right of the municipality to use the water or water right.   

D.     Proceedings to obtain any condemnation authorized in this section shall be in the manner provided by law.