2015 New Mexico Statutes
Chapter 72 - Water Law
Section 5 Appropriation and Use of Surface Water
Section 72-5-15 Common use; enlargement and maintenance of works; lien for costs.

72-5-15. [Common use; enlargement and maintenance of works; lien for costs.]

Whenever in accordance with the provisions of this article, any person, firm, association or corporation shall enlarge an existing canal, acequia, reservoir or other works, in order to use the same in common with the former owner, such person, firm, association or corporation, shall have and enjoy the right to the use and benefit of the quantity of water added to the capacity of such structure or work by such enlargement. Where two or more owners are using or have the right to use the same canal, acequia, reservoir or other waterworks, and one or more of such owners shall fail or neglect to do his or their proper share of the work or to furnish and pay for his or their proper share of the materials necessary for the maintenance, repair and operation thereof, any one or more of such owners may, after ten days' notice, proceed to perform such work, and furnish such materials, and may recover from each delinquent owner his proportionate share of the cost of such work and materials by a suit in any court of competent jurisdiction, and shall have a lien therefor upon such delinquent owner's share in said canal, acequia, reservoir or other works enforceable in the same manner as provided by law for the enforcement of mechanic's liens.

History: Laws 1907, ch. 49, 61; Code 1915, 5719; C.S. 1929, 151-172; 1941 Comp., 77-514; 1953 Comp., 75-5-14.