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Due to the pandemic the Office of the State Engineer will not be accepting cash at any of its District Offices.  Only checks or money orders will be accepted at this time.  Also, please do not mail in cash.  Thank you for your cooperation.

Surface Water Curtailment in the Rio Chama Basin beginning July 2024
06/07/2023—Final Partial Judgment and Decree on Water Rights for the Gallinas River Section of the Pecos Adjudication

Commencement of Expedited Inter Se Proceeding to Adjudicate Water Rights Claims of Interpid Potash-New Mexico ,LLC and Intrepid Potash, Inc.

State Engineer Order 199 issuing a closure of the basin to new Appropriations and zero surface water depletions will be allowed, limits placed on the quantity of water available by permits issued under Chapter 72-12-1.1 and 1.2 NMSA to 0.50 afa per well, requiring meter installation and bi-annual reading submittal, it further restricts movement of water rights within the basin and disallows new livestock impoundments was issued July 5, 2023.
State Engineer Order 198 The Hot Springs Underground Water Basin is closed to new appropriations under Section 72-12-3 NMSA 1978 by Order 198 signed and sealed July 5, 2023. FAQ Hot Springs State Engineer Order 198
State Engineer Order 197 issuing an Interim Closure of a portion of the Gallup Underground Water Basin restricting new groundwater and surface water appropriations, limiting the quantity of water available by permits issued under Chapter 72-12-1.1 and 1.2 NMSA to 0.50 afa per well, requiring meter installation and bi-annual reading submittal , and disallowing new livestock impoundments was issued June 30, 2023.
Dam Safety Bureau project selected for top honor by NMSPE
Upper Colorado River Commission Letter to BOR Commissioner Touton, July 18, 2022

Water Use for Commercial Cannabis Cultivation

05/06/2022 - In the Matter of the Temporary Restriction of Diversions of Waters from the Gallinas River Basin, State of New Mexico

12/07/2021 - State Engineer Issues Order for Administration of Surface and Groundwater Rights in Lower Pecos River ...Learn More

U.S Bureau of Reclamation Releases Study Projecting Water Levels in the Colorado River System

State Engineer Issues Temporary Order to Protect Groundwater in Southeast New Mexico
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The State Engineer Issues Order to Protect Groundwater in East Mountain Area.
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The NGWA Well Owners Guide is a comprehensive manual where you’ll find valuable information from proper well construction, routine well maintenance, water testing and much more.

Information regarding Produced Water Act 2019 and future NMED rule making process

Colorado River Drought Contingency Plan Authorization Act

Colorado River Drought Contingency Plans - Seven Basin States letter to Congress