The body having charge of the water supply in any municipality may, by resolution, determine that it is in the interests of the municipality that a district water supply commission be appointed for the water supply district wherein the municipality is located for the purpose of developing, acquiring and operating a water supply or a new or additional water supply for the use of the municipality and such other municipalities as may be authorized to join with it according to the terms of this chapter, and that a petition be presented to the governor praying for the appointment of such a commission and setting forth in general terms the location and character of the water supply desired.
N.J.S. § 58:5-2