§98.4. Regional districts; water resource management

            A. The secretary may in consultation with the Natural Resources Commission promulgate rules and regulations for the appointment or designation of regional water districts, which when so appointed may be delegated the powers, authorities, and duties of the department for groundwater or surface water resource management within the regional district.

            B. In addition to its other powers and authorities established in law, the department is authorized to:

            (1) Receive and collect water resource data and water use data throughout the state.

            (2) Cooperate with and enter into contracts or cooperative agreements with other governmental units and agencies of this state, with governments and agencies of other states and of the United States, and with private agencies or other water conservation districts as necessary to fulfill the provisions of this Part.

            (3) Conduct studies and investigations of all problems concerning water resources in the state.

            (4) Identify and protect water recharge areas.

            (5) Monitor and evaluate water resources including current and projected demands, inventory the state's water resources, identify technical research and previously developed information on water, identify future potential deficit areas, study alternatives to surface water use including treatment, transmission systems, and reclamation, and investigate incentives for conservation and the use of alternative technologies including public education and conservation programs.

            (6) Promote water conservation measures and best practices for water resource sustainability.

            Acts 2025, No. 458, §1, eff. Oct. 1, 2025.