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The Office of the State Engineer does not accept 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.
Rio Chama Fact Sheets
Texas V New Mexico Settlement
The U. S. Supreme Court approved the historic Texas v. New Mexico and Colorado settlement on May 26, 2026, ending more than a decade of litigation, risk, and uncertainty over the waters of the Lower Rio Grande. Learn more about the Texas v. New Mexico water settlement.
Rio Chama Shortage Sharing
Given the record-low snowpack and warming temperatures this spring, shortage sharing season on the Rio Chama is starting earlier than in previous years. During this time, Water Masters from the Office of the State Engineer may reduce or limit diversions to Acequias/Ditches and individual users in accordance with the water sharing agreement.
The Aragon Settlement outlines the rights and responsibilities of Ohkay Owingeh and the Rio Chama Acequia Association, Acequias Norteñas, and the NM Office of the State Engineer. Under the settlement, a shortage sharing agreement is negotiated every year, unless the sharing parties agree to use the previous year's shortage sharing agreement.
Shortage Sharing is an administrative tool that allows for senior and junior water users to share water during times of shortage. Administering the shortage sharing schedule takes significant work by OSE staff.
New Mexico remains in persistent drought, driven by an unusually warm and dry winter across the western states. Even with pockets of recent precipitation, hydrologic indicators show continued stress on snowpack, streamflow, and long‑term water supply.
Daniel Martinez is the OSE Water Master for the Upper Chama and can be reached at ☎️505-690-4028.
Joe Piña is the OSE Water Master for the Lower Chama and can be reached at ☎️505-795-0358.
New Mexico, Texas, Colorado and the United States filed a package of settlement agreements on August 29, 2025...Learn more
The New Mexico Office of the State Engineer launches updated NM Plant List web application. The Plant List is an expert-recommended list of low-water use, native or adaptive plants that thrive in our climate and save water.
The New Mexico Water Use by Categories 2020 Report is now available
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
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
View Order
The State Engineer Issues Order to Protect Groundwater in East Mountain Area.
View Order
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