§22-11-28. Functions, services and reports of director of the division; obtaining information from others.

The director shall make surveys and investigations of the water resources of the state and shall maintain an inventory of the water resources of the state and to the extent practicable shall divide the state into watershed drainage areas in making this inventory. The director shall investigate and study the problems of agriculture, industry, conservation, health, water pollution, domestic and commercial uses and allied matters as they relate to the water resources of the state, and shall make and formulate comprehensive plans and recommendations for the further development, improvement, protection, preservation, regulation and use of such water resources, giving proper consideration to the hydrologic cycle in which water moves. The director shall provide to the Legislature a biennial report on the quality of the state's waters, including an evaluation of the information which has been obtained in accordance with the requirements of this section and shall include in this report the plans and recommendations which have been formulated pursuant to the requirements of this section. Where possible the timing and content of this report shall be structured so that it may also be used to fulfill any federal program reporting requirements. The report shall include reasons for such plans and recommendations, as well as any changes in the law which are deemed desirable to effectuate such plans and recommendations. Such report shall be made available to the public at a reasonable price to be determined by the director.

The director may request, and, upon request, is entitled to receive from any agency of the state or any political subdivision thereof, or from any other person who engages in a commercial use or controls any of the water resources of the state, such necessary information and data as will assist in obtaining a complete picture of the water resources of the state and the existing control and commercial use thereof. The director shall reimburse such agencies, political subdivisions and other persons for any expenses, which would not otherwise have been incurred, in making such information and data available.