Environmental
Prior appropriation water rights in New Mexico operate on what principle?
AAll landowners adjacent to a water source share equal rights
BFirst in time, first in right — earlier appropriators have priority over later ones✓ Correct
CThe state of New Mexico owns all water
DWater rights are tied to land ownership
Explanation
New Mexico follows the prior appropriation doctrine: 'first in time, first in right.' Those who first put water to beneficial use have priority over later appropriators, especially in drought conditions.
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