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Protecting Your Water for Future Generations

The State Engineer has authority over the supervision, measurement, appropriation, and distribution of all surface and groundwater in New Mexico, including streams and rivers that cross state boundaries.

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Researchers & Educators

Publications about water issues produced by the Office of the State Engineer and Interstate Stream Commission can be accessed from the following pages.

Publications Plans & Reports Drought Plans Dam Engineering Technical Notes Water Conservation Hydrographic Survey Maps & Reports 50 Year Water Plan

Programs & Services

Under New Mexico water law, all ground and surface waters belong to the public and are subject to appropriation under the Doctrine of Prior Appropriation, a constitutional provision that says earlier appropriations have priority over later appropriations.