N.D. Cent. Code § 61-40-01
The legislative assembly declares that many areas and localities in western North Dakota do not enjoy adequate quantities of high-quality drinking water; that other areas and localities in western North Dakota do not have sufficient quantities of water to ensure a dependable, long-term domestic or industrial water supply; that greater economic security and the protection of health and property benefits the land, natural resources, and water resources of this state; and that the promotion of the prosperity and general welfare of all of the people of this state depend on the effective development and utilization of the land and water resources of this state and necessitates and requires the exercise of the sovereign powers of this state and concern a public purpose. To accomplish this public purpose, it is declared necessary that a water authority to treat, store, and distribute water to western North Dakota be established to provide for the supply and distribution of water to the people of western North Dakota for purposes, including domestic, rural water, municipal, livestock, industrial, oil and gas development, and other uses, and provide for the future economic welfare and prosperity of the people of this state, and particularly the people of western North Dakota, by the creation and development of a western area water supply project for beneficial and public uses. The western area water supply authority may acquire, construct, improve, develop, and own water supply infrastructure and may enter water supply contracts with member cities, water districts, and private users, such as oil and gas producers, for the sale of water for use within or outside the authority boundaries or the state. The western area water supply authority shall consider in the process of locating industrial water depots the location of private water sellers so as to minimize the impact on private water sellers. The independent water providers shall consider in the process of locating industrial water depots the location of private water sellers so as to minimize the impact on private water sellers.
N.D.C.C. § 61-40-01