New Mexico's state land office has signed a water agreement with the city of Carlsbad.
The agreement was signed by State Land Commissioner Ray Powell and Carlsbad Mayor Dale W. Janway at a ceremony.
It assures the city secure and long-term access of state trust lands for its water supply for the first time.
The agreement grants easement to multiple sites on state trust land in the Carlsbad area for placement of new water wells that will supplement the existing municipal well system.