Statutes > New Mexico Statutes > Chapter 72 - Water Law. > Article 12 - Underground Waters, 72-12-1 through 72-12-28. > Section 72-12-18 - Underground waters declared to be public.

Section 72-12-18 - Underground waters declared to be public.

72-12-18. Underground waters declared to be public.

For the purposes of Sections 72-12-18 through 72-12-21 NMSA 1978, all underground waters of the state of New Mexico are hereby declared to be public waters and to belong to the public of the state of New Mexico and to be subject to appropriation for beneficial use. All existing rights to the beneficial use of such waters are hereby recognized.