2015 New Mexico Statutes
Chapter 72 - Water Law
Section 4 Surveys, Investigations and Adjudication of Rights
Section 72-4-15 Determination of water rights; copies of hydrographic surveys; suits to determine right of appropriation.
72-4-15. [Determination of water rights; copies of hydrographic surveys; suits to determine right of appropriation.]
Upon the completion of the hydrographic survey of any stream system, the state engineer shall deliver a copy of so much thereof as may be necessary for the determination of all rights to the use of the waters of such system together with all other data in his possession necessary for such determination, to the attorney general of the state who shall, at the request of the state engineer, enter suit on behalf of the state for the determination of all rights to the use of such water, in order that the amount of unappropriated water subject to disposition by the state under the terms of this chapter may become known, and shall diligently prosecute the same to a final adjudication: provided, that if suit for the adjudication of such rights shall have been begun by private parties, the attorney general shall not be required to bring suit: provided, however, that the attorney general shall intervene in any suit for the adjudication of rights to the use of water, on behalf of the state, if notified by the state engineer that in his opinion the public interest requires such action.
History: Laws 1907, ch. 49, 20; Code 1915, 5673; C.S. 1929, 151-120; 1941 Comp., 77-404; 1953 Comp., 75-4-4.
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