New Mexico § 72-3-2 - Water masters; appointment; removal; duties
Full text of New Mexico New Mexico Statutes Annotated § 72-3-2 — Water masters; appointment; removal; duties, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 72-3-2. Water masters; appointment; removal; duties
A. The state engineer shall, upon the written application of a majority of the water
rights owners of any district in this state, appoint a water master for such district
in the state, who may, for cause, be removed by the state engineer and shall be removed
upon a petition of a majority of the water rights owners of the district. The water master shall have immediate charge of the apportionment of waters in the
water master's district under the general supervision of the state engineer, and the
water master shall so appropriate, regulate and control the waters of the district
as will prevent waste. The state engineer may, if in the state engineer's opinion the public safety or
interests of water users in any district in the state require it, appoint such water
master for temporary or permanent service in such district in the absence of the application
above provided for in this article. B. In instances where the state engineer's appointment of a water master is not in
response to a written application of a majority of the water rights owners of a district,
the provisions of Section 72-3-4 NMSA 1978 shall not apply.
Source: official New Mexico text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About New Mexico § 72-3-2
What does New Mexico Statutes Annotated § 72-3-2 cover?
Section 72-3-2 ("Water masters; appointment; removal; duties") 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 § 72-3-2?
A common citation format is "New Mexico Statutes Annotated § 72-3-2" (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 § 72-3-2 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.