ABSTRACT
The prior appropriation doctrine defines water allocation and water rights in the western United States including New Mexico. Due to variations between states prior appropriation comes in many flavors, and New Mexico has some unique ones. New Mexico’s version is illustrated by Chapter 5 (G. Emlen Hall), which sets the context for the evolution of New Mexico’s water law. Chapter 6 (José Rivera) describes one of the unique institutional aspects of Mew Mexico’s system. This chapter examines in detail New Mexico’s water rights system while the next chapter looks at the horizontal and vertical relationships that create management conflicts.
