New Mexico Statutes Chapter 72. Water Law § 72-5-13. Issuance of license to appropriate water

On or before the date set for the application of the water to a beneficial use, the state engineer shall cause the works to be inspected, after due notice to the owner of the permit. Upon the completion of such inspection, the state engineer shall issue a license to appropriate water to the extent and under the condition of the actual application thereof to beneficial use, but in no manner extending the rights described in the permit: provided, that the inspection to determine the amount of water applied to beneficial use shall be made at the same time as that of the constructed work, if requested by the owner, and if such action is deemed proper by the state engineer.