The legislature finds that:

1. A. conjunctive use and administration of both surface and ground waters are essential to the effective and efficient use of the state's limited water supplies; and

2. B. ground water recharge, storage and recovery have the potential to:

   1. (1) offer savings in the costs of capital investment, operation and maintenance and flood control and may improve water and environmental quality;
   2. (2) reduce the rate at which ground water levels will decline and may prevent overstressing or dewatering aquifer systems;
   3. (3) promote conservation of water within the state;
   4. (4) serve the public welfare of the state; and
   5. (5) may lead to more effective use of the state's water resources.

History: Laws 1999, ch. 285, § 2.

ANNOTATIONS

Effective dates. — Laws 1999, ch. 285 contained no effective date provision, but, pursuant to N.M. Const., art. IV, § 23, was effective June 18, 1999, 90 days after adjournment of the legislature.