Important Information About Wells and Water Rights

Water Rights can and do change according to County Rules and Regulations. This information was obtained from a brochure published by the South Central Council of Governments.

If you cannot connect to a public water system, a well will be needed.
 

State Engineer District Office
121 Tijeras N.E. - Suite 2000
Albuquerque, NM  87102-3400
Phone: (505) 841-9480

Water rights must be acquired before a well can be drilled and put into service.

Domestic Well Permit: For household use, and commercial lawn, trees, and gardening. This permit allows you to pump 3 acre-feet of water per year (about 1 million gallons). A domestic well permit can not be used for farm irrigation or commercial purposes. Water Rights can be bought and sold either with the land or separately.

A buyer can check with the State Engineer District Office in Albuquerque, if a water right is owned by the seller, or how to go about obtaining a water right. State regulations make water rights subject to forfeiture if water is not put to beneficial use for four consecutive years and after notice is issued by the State Engineer. This means that you must use the water as intended by the water right or risk losing that right.