Conservation of the state's water resources is hereby declared to be a state function, and the public interest, welfare, convenience, and necessity require the creation of water user districts and the construction of systems of works, as provided in this chapter, for the conservation, storage, distribution, and utilization of water and the collection, treatment, and disposal of wastewater. The construction of systems of works by such districts, as provided in this chapter, is hereby declared to be in all respects for the welfare and benefit of the people of South Dakota. It is the intention of the Legislature of South Dakota that this chapter shall be liberally construed to effectuate these purposes.
SDCL 46A-9-1