Constitution · New Mexico

N.M. Const. art. XVI, § 2

Constitution
Constitution of New Mexico
Text as of
October 2026

What does this section say?

[Appropriation of water.] The unappropriated water of every natural stream, perennial or torrential, within the state of New Mexico, is hereby declared to belong to the public and to be subject to appropriation for beneficial use, in accordance with the laws of the state. Priority of appropriation shall give the better right.

The text is copied from the official source: www.sos.nm.gov. This is the stored text for research. It is not legal advice; check the official source before you rely on it.

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