The bill amends Section 72-12-22 of the New Mexico Statutes to facilitate the process for drilling replacement wells within one hundred feet of an original well. It allows the owner of a water right to drill and use a replacement well without the need for prior application to the state engineer, provided certain conditions are met, such as drilling into the same underground source and maintaining the same water appropriation. Additionally, the owner must notify the state engineer's office before drilling and file for a permit within thirty days after drilling begins.

A significant change introduced by the bill is that applications for replacement wells within the specified distance are not subject to protest. If an applicant is aggrieved by the state engineer's decision regarding the application, they may file for a hearing. Furthermore, while other water rights owners who believe they are harmed by the drilling cannot stop the process, they are limited to seeking damages through legal action rather than protesting the permit.

Statutes affected:
introduced version: 72-12-22