The state engineer is authorized to investigate the water supply available for state lands, by drilling or digging wells or otherwise as he may deem best, in order to determine the location of permanent water reservoirs for irrigation purposes, and to employ the necessary assistance or to let contracts therefor. The sums heretofore appropriated for such purposes out of the water reservoirs for irrigation purposes income fund shall be paid out on warrants of the secretary of finance and administration, supported by vouchers signed by the state engineer.

History: Laws 1913, ch. 85, § 1; Code 1915, § 5262; C.S. 1929, § 132-203; 1941 Comp., § 8-604; 1953 Comp., § 7-6-4; Laws 1977, ch. 247, § 88.

Compiler's notes. — Laws 1977, ch. 254, § 92, compiled as 72-2-1 NMSA 1978 made the director of the water resources division of the natural resources department the state engineer.

Nature of funds. — Funds provided for by this section to Section 19-5-8 NMSA 1978 are not a mortgage or other encumbrance within Section 10 of the Enabling Act. 1931 Op. Att'y Gen. No. 31-335.

Sale of well. — On sale or disposition of well drilled by state engineer on state lands, the purchaser should refund and pay its value to state treasurer to be credited to water reservoir for irrigation purposes income fund. 1931 Op. Att'y Gen. No. 31-335.

Am. Jur. 2d, A.L.R. and C.J.S. references. — 78 Am. Jur. 2d Waters § 179.

Discrimination between property within and that outside municipality or other governmental district as to public service or utility rates, 4 A.L.R.2d 595.

Water well drilling contracts, 90 A.L.R.2d 1346.