CLOVIS, NEW MEXICO -- CLOVIS, N.M. (AP) - The state engineer has approved an emergency authorization for New Mexico American Water to combine water rights for drinking water wells in the Clovis system.

New Mexico American Water filed the application in July 2008, anticipating the need for the authorization because of possible water shortages in the Clovis area as a result of the depletion of the Ogallala aquifer in eastern New Mexico.

Each of the 59 wells that supplies Clovis has a certain amount of water rights, but officials say some can no longer pump the full amount, while others have more capacity but are limited by the water rights assigned to them.

New Mexico American Water general manager Kathy Wright sought to combine water rights to operate wells more efficiently and provide an adequate water supply.

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