[Water appropriation application.]

Before any contract as provided in Sections 19-5-7 to 19-5-9 NMSA 1978, shall issue, the applicant shall file with the commissioner a certificate of the state engineer showing a compliance with the laws, and regulations for the appropriation of water, and that applicant has the right to appropriate water for such purposes: provided, that no such contract shall operate to prevent the cancellation, according to law, of any permit to appropriate waters of the state.