New Mexico Statutes Chapter 73. Special Districts § 73-2-52. Spillways; place; work on excess water

Whenever 10 [ten] or more of the landowners of any main ditch or lateral, deem it necessary to open a drainage, tajo or outlet, near the main dam or away from said dam of any public ditch or lateral, with the object of drawing off the excess of water, or to regulate the water of said ditches, with the object of protecting the dams from any floods, or the damage of lands from excess waters, the water commissioners of said ditch or lateral are authorized to determine the place where such drainage, tajo or outlet shall be opened, under the supervision of the mayordomo by the owners of the irrigable land of such ditch and the work shall be taxed in proportion of the irrigable property of each owner, and any person or persons belonging to said ditch or lateral, who shall fail or refuse to perform work, or pay the amount assessed against him in lieu of said work shall not be allowed to take or use any water from the same or any contra acequia or lateral thereof, whilst default in such payment or failure to do such work, continues.