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Show 514 NEW MEXICO from the standpoint of water use conflicts, this seems to have created no major problems. 2.3 Other Agencies Having Water Resource Responsibilities a. AGENCIES AT THE STATE LEVEL As earlier mentioned, the State engineer is the principal officer charged with the administration of water rights, and his powers and duties have been discussed. The Water Quality Control Com- mission has been delegated principal authority for water quality control in New Mexico. This Commission has the power to adopt a comprehensive water quality program; adopt water quality stand- ards; promulgate regulations to prevent or abate water pollution; classify waters for certain purposes; receive and allocate funds made available by the Federal Government; grant variances from regulations of the Commission; and adopt regulations to require the filing of proposed plans for the construction of new sewage systems. The Commission may seek injunctive relief against any violation or threatened violation of its regulations, and the district court may impose civil penalties upon violators.23 The Interstate Stream Commission has been delegated certain responsibilities in connection with interstate and other waters in which New Mexico has an interest. The Commission is authorized to negotiate compacts with other states and settle interstate contro- versies, looking toward an equitable division of waters in interstate stream systems. Also, the Commission is authorized to investigate, develop, and conserve the waters of the State, interstate and other- wise, and may cooperate with the Federal Government in this regard. Under certain circumstances, the Commission may undertake the construction of project works and finance the same through the sale of revenue bonds. It may also loan funds for the construction of projects.24 b. AGENCIES AT THE LOCAL LEVEL There are a number of local agencies and public districts in New Mexico which have responsibilities for water development and con- servation : (1) Water Users'Association 25 (2) Water and Sanitation Districts26 (3) Drainage Districts 27 (4) Irrigation Districts 28 (5) Conservancy Districts 29 (6) Artesian Conservancy Districts 30 (7) Community ditches or acequias.31 23 New Mexico Stat., sees. 75-39-1 to 75-39-12. 2* New Mexico Stat., sees. 75-34-1 to 75-34-39. 25 New Mexico Stat., sees. 75-17-1 to 75-17-9. 28 New Mexico Stat., sees. 75-18-1 to 75-18-49. w New Mexico Stat, ch. 75, arts. 19, 20, and 21. 28 New Mexico Stat, ch. 75, arts. 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, and 27. 29 New Mexico Stat, ch. 75, arts. 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, and 32. s° New Mexico Stat., sees. 75-13-1 to 75-13-24. 31 New Mexico Stat, sees. 75-14-1 to 75-14-61. |
