This report is the first of a series on New Mexico water resources law. It includes a brief background on the development and some of the basic points of the state water laws. However, it deals primarily with the laws of acequias and other information of interest to these organizations.

Other phases will include a summary-digest of all state Water laws and a documentation of the history and development of acequias in northern New Mexico; their impact on the socio-economic structure of the region; and material for consideration in making decisions for the present and future use of the water resources.

The main purpose of the study and publications is to help bring about a better understanding and knowledge of the present water laws by acequia organizations, water users and the general public. The discussion that follows is intended to serve only as an outline and digest of the laws and other applicable information.

IT SHOULD BE REMEMBERED THAT IN CASES FOR WHICH MORE LEGAL DETAILS AND INTERPRETATIONS ARE NEEDED, THE READER SHOULD PROCEED ONLY AFTER A CAREFUL REVIEW AND STUDY OF ALL THE PERTINENT WATER LAWS WITH ASSISTANCE OF COMPETENT LEGAL COUNSEL.

The publication of this report was made possible by a grant from the Four Corners Regional Commission through the New Mexico State Planning Office. Other organizations cooperated by making funds available for the printing of a substantial number of extra copies. Their names are listed on Page 76.

Material for the series entitled “Las Acequias del Norte” is being compiled by the Kit Carson Memorial Foundation as a 4 public service. It may be reproduced freely. The customary credit of the source is suggested.