New Mexico § 73-1-20 - Program of water conservation; prevention of leaking wells
Full text of New Mexico New Mexico Statutes Annotated § 73-1-20 — Program of water conservation; prevention of leaking wells, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 73-1-20. Program of water conservation; prevention of leaking wells
After the formation of any artesian conservancy district, it shall be the duty of
the board of directors from year to year to outline a plan or program of water conservation
and administration, and they shall make an estimate of the cost of administration,
equipment and improvements necessary to carry out such program from year to year,
when the cost thereof is to be paid by tax levies. In carrying out any such plan or program the board of directors shall have authority
to cooperate with the state engineer and the United States geological survey, where
such cooperation is offered. The program to be carried out and the improvements to be made and the equipment to
be purchased shall be designed to accomplish the objects and purposes for which the
district was created, and may include the plugging of all wells within the district
found by tests to be materially leaking or wasting any waters included in the district. The directors may proceed to carry out the improvements so outlined in such manner
as may be deemed for the best interest of all concerned, and may enter into any contracts
or do or perform any act or thing necessary or advisable to carry out to all intents
and purposes the objects and purposes for which the district was formed, and shall
have the right of ingress and egress at all reasonable times to all wells within the
district for the purpose of making leakage tests, and otherwise determining that such
wells are properly equipped and are being used so as to conserve the waters included
in the conservancy district. All wells included in the district found to be leaking or wasting such waters, are
hereby declared to be a public nuisance, and the directors of the district and those
under their authority shall have the right, power and authority to go upon the lands
upon which any such well is located to abate such nuisance by plugging or repairing
any such well.
Source: official New Mexico text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About New Mexico § 73-1-20
What does New Mexico Statutes Annotated § 73-1-20 cover?
Section 73-1-20 ("Program of water conservation; prevention of leaking wells") 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 § 73-1-20?
A common citation format is "New Mexico Statutes Annotated § 73-1-20" (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 § 73-1-20 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.