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.
Learn MoreI want to:
Lookup Water Rights Find a District Office Find Well Driller Information Find A Licensed Well Driller View Adjudications View Settlements View Hydrographic Survey Maps & Reports View Real-Time Measurements Enter a Meter Reading View Notices for Publication Get Drought Information Find Water Use Technical Reports & Data View Subdivision Reviews View Dam Safety Information View Water Rights Special Orders Conserve Water Find Glossary of Terms Find Rules & Regulations File a Discrimination ComplaintMost Popular Links:
Water is New Mexico's most precious resource.
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.
For Any Assistance With Water Rights, Well Permits Or Metering Readings Please Contact Your Nearest Water Rights District Office - Locations & Phone Numbers
-
Water Rights
Anyone wanting to use water in New Mexico must have a permit from the State Engineer that can be obtained by contacting your local District Office. To learn more click here. -
Water Use & Conservation
Water Use & Conservation Programs coordinates water conservation activities and inventories surface and groudwater data for the State of New Mexico. To learn more click here. -
Water Driller
The OSE is responsible for regulating the construction and abandonment of wells and the licensing of well drillers in the state of New Mexico. To learn more click here. -
Water Planning & Engagement
Regional and state water plans are vital tools intended to guide water management in the state to best meet all the state’s water users. To learn more click here.
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 PlanPrograms & 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.