The legislature finds that:
A. conjunctive use and administration of both surface and ground waters are essential to the effective and efficient use of the state's limited water supplies; and
B. ground water recharge, storage and recovery have the potential to:
(1) offer savings in the costs of capital investment, operation and maintenance and flood control and may improve water and environmental quality;
(2) reduce the rate at which ground water levels will decline and may prevent overstressing or dewatering aquifer systems;
(3) promote conservation of water within the state;
(4) serve the public welfare of the state; and
(5) may lead to more effective use of the state's water resources.
History: Laws 1999, ch. 285, § 2.
Effective dates. — Laws 1999, ch. 285 contained no effective date provision, but, pursuant to N.M. Const., art. IV, § 23, was effective June 18, 1999, 90 days after adjournment of the legislature.
Structure New Mexico Statutes
Article 5A - Ground Water Storage and Recovery
Section 72-5A-1 - Short title.
Section 72-5A-2 - Legislative findings.
Section 72-5A-3 - Definitions.
Section 72-5A-4 - Permit required.
Section 72-5A-5 - Notice; protests; hearings; determinations; judicial review.
Section 72-5A-6 - State engineer; powers and duties; permit; monitoring requirements.
Section 72-5A-7 - Modification and assignment of project permit.
Section 72-5A-9 - Storage account to be established; limit on amount of water recovered.
Section 72-5A-10 - Annual report to state engineer; penalty for failure to file.
Section 72-5A-11 - Revocation or suspension of permits; orders to cease and desist; injunction.
Section 72-5A-13 - Conservation fee exemptions.
Section 72-5A-14 - Obligations to Indian nations, tribes or pueblos.
Section 72-5A-15 - Non-exemption from prior appropriation doctrine.