NM Supreme Court to hear arguments in water case

The New Mexico Supreme Court will hear arguments next week in a case challenging the state's ability to pump groundwater in southeastern New Mexico.

 The state has been pumping water from wells between Artesia and Carlsbad to augment flows in the Pecos River. The pumping is part of a drought management strategy aimed at delivering water to downstream users in New Mexico and Texas. 

Other users are complaining that the state's pumping has lowered the area's water table. 

The Supreme Court has temporarily blocked a lower court ruling challenging the state's process for transferring water rights to the well field.

NM Supreme Court to hear arguments in water case