N.M. Stat. § 72-1-4
[Declaration of water rights vested prior to 1907; force and
effect of prior declarations.]
Declarations heretofore filed in substantial compliance with Section 1 [72-1-3 NMSA
1978] hereof shall be recognized as of the same force and effect as if filed after the
taking effect of this act [72-1-3 and 72-1-4 NMSA 1978].