The department shall make hydrographic surveys and investigations of each stream system and source of water supply in the state, beginning with those most used for irrigation, and shall obtain and record all available data for the determination, development, and appropriation of the water supply of the state. The department may cooperate with the agencies of the federal government engaged in similar surveys, investigations, or the construction of works for the development and use of the water supply of the state, and may expend funds appropriated to the department for that purpose.
N.D.C.C. § 61-03-15