New Mexico targets illegal water wells

Written by Deborah in Water News 
A view of the Capitan Mountains in New Mexico
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  • 20 wells in Carlsbad and Capitan lacked valid permits.
  • State Engineer ordered an immediate stop to water diversions.
  • Public can report suspected violations anonymously.

Wednesday, August 5, 2025 — KOAT 7 Action NewsOpens in a new tab. reports that on August 4, 2025, the New Mexico Office of the State Engineer announced enforcement actions against 20 illegal water wells in the Carlsbad and Capitan Basins. Investigations revealed that the wells were operating without proper water rights and may have been diverting water for commercial purposes. The well owners have been issued noncompliance warnings and ordered to halt unauthorized water use. State Engineer Elizabeth Anderson emphasized that protecting the state’s water supply is critical, especially in times of increasing demand. Residents are encouraged to report suspected illegal water use.

 

Image by Patrick AlexanderOpens in a new tab., July 25, 2014. South of the Capitan Mountains on the east side of Capitan Gap Rd., 33.55811 -105.52179, Lincoln County, New Mexico.

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Deborah

Since 1995, Deborah has owned and operated LegalTech LLC with a focus on water rights. Before moving to Arizona in 1986, she worked as a quality control analyst for Honeywell and in commercial real estate, both in Texas. She learned about Arizona's water rights from the late and great attorney Michael Brophy of Ryley, Carlock & Applewhite. Her side interests are writing (and reading), Wordpress programming and much more.

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Bennie Jean Muliere
Bennie Jean Muliere
August 6, 2025 12:46 pm
How is it so easy to track illegal water wells and yet our city and state is over run with illegals and our government just lets that go and yet illegal water wells are more important than our safety.
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