Statewide Projects
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Water Resource Allocation Program
Statewide Projects Bureau
This team of highly trained and specialized employees are charged with many duties highlighted below.
Outreach
As time and staffing situation will allow, the Statewide Projects Bureau within the Water Resource Allocation Program will respond to requests for speakers on relevant topics, or to give instruction to groups of any size. Contact Jerri Pohl, Bureau Chief, at (505) 827-6120 if you have any questions or email nm.driller@ose.nm.gov
Well Driller & Drill Rig Supervisor
The Office of the State Engineer is responsible for regulating the construction and plugging of wells and the licensing of well drillers in the state of New Mexico. Any person desiring to engage in the drilling of one or more wells for underground water within the boundaries of any underground source shall file an application with the state engineer for a driller license. It is unlawful for any person, firm, or corporation to drill or to begin the drilling of a well for water from an underground source without a valid, existing license for the drilling of such wells issued by the State Engineer of New Mexico.
The Well Drillers Licensing Program is administered by the Statewide Projects Bureau within the Water Rights Allocation Program. Those persons interested in becoming a licensed well driller in the State of New Mexico need to comply with the requirements outlined in 19.27.4.12 NMAC of the Rules for Well Driller Licensing; Construction, Repair and Plugging of Wells. The minimum qualifications are as follows:
- Be at least 20 years of age.
- Have two years of experience working with a licensed well driller.
- Passing scores from the NGWA General Drilling Exam and method exams for each type of drilling that the potential well driller intends to perform.
- Have passed the New Mexico Code Exam.
- A well driller shall possess a bond in the sum of $5000.
- General liability insurance in the minimum amount of $300,000.
All Drillers License Application forms are available on the following webpage: Water Rights Statewide Projects Bureau. To obtain the most recent code exam or if you have any questions please contact Statewide Projects Bureau at nm.driller@ose.nm.gov.
The Well Drillers Licensing Program is administered by the Statewide Projects Bureau within the Water Rights Allocation Program. Direct any inquiries or questions that you have to Sheldon Dorman, Statewide Projects Lead, (505) 827-7849 or email nm.driller@ose.nm.gov
Underground Storage and Recovery
The Statewide Projects Bureau oversees Underground Storage and Recovery projects permitting. The Team facilitates the permitting and recordkeeping for these activities throughout the state. Email nm.driller@ose.nm.gov for assistance.