N.M. Stat. § 72-14-44
Interstate stream commission; groundwater
appropriation; water rights purchase.
A. The interstate stream commission is authorized to appropriate groundwater or
purchase water rights on behalf of any of the various regions of the state.
B. Nothing in this section shall be construed as permitting the condemnation of
water rights or as determining, abridging or affecting in any way the water rights of
Indian nations, tribes or pueblos.