New Mexico § 72-1-9 - Municipal, county, member-owned community water systems, school district and state university water development plans; preservation of municipal, county and state university water supplies
Full text of New Mexico New Mexico Statutes Annotated § 72-1-9 — Municipal, county, member-owned community water systems, school district and state university water development plans; preservation of municipal, county and state university water supplies, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 72-1-9. Municipal, county, member-owned community water systems, school district and state university water development plans; preservation of municipal, county and state university water supplies
A. It is recognized by the state that it promotes the public welfare and the conservation
of water within the state for municipalities, counties, school districts, state universities,
member-owned community water systems, special water users' associations and public
utilities supplying water to municipalities or counties to plan for the reasonable
development and use of water resources. The state further recognizes the state engineer's administrative policy of not allowing
municipalities, member-owned community water systems, counties and state universities
to acquire and hold unused water rights in an amount greater than their reasonable
needs within forty years. B. Municipalities, counties, school districts, state universities, member-owned community
water systems, special water users' associations and public utilities supplying water
to municipalities or counties shall be allowed a water use planning period not to
exceed forty years, and water rights for municipalities, counties, school districts,
state universities, member-owned community water systems, special water users' associations
and public utilities supplying water to such municipalities or counties shall be based
upon a water development plan the implementation of which shall not exceed a forty-year
period from the date of the application for an appropriation or a change of place
or purpose of use pursuant to a water development plan or for preservation of a municipal,
county, school district, member-owned community water system or state university water
supply for reasonably projected additional needs within forty years.
Source: official New Mexico text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About New Mexico § 72-1-9
What does New Mexico Statutes Annotated § 72-1-9 cover?
Section 72-1-9 ("Municipal, county, member-owned community water systems, school district and state university water development plans; preservation of municipal, county and state university water supplies") is part of the New Mexico Statutes Annotated, the codified statutory law of New Mexico. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite New Mexico § 72-1-9?
A common citation format is "New Mexico Statutes Annotated § 72-1-9" (New Mexico). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of New Mexico law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the New Mexico official source linked on this page or consult a licensed New Mexico attorney.
How does New Mexico § 72-1-9 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in New Mexico can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in New Mexico.