A. The legislature finds that:

1. Now and into the foreseeable future that regions in this state lack access to the necessary water supplies to meet their current and long-term water needs.

2. Protecting current and future residents, the economy and the environment of this state is best achieved through a comprehensive water strategy that conserves water, improves the efficiency and reuse of existing water resources and augments existing water resources with new renewable supplies of water.

B. The authority is established for the benefit of current and future residents, the economy and the environment of this state.

C. The authority shall accomplish its purposes of helping to meet existing and future water needs of this state by developing or facilitating water conservation, reuse and augmentation projects.

D. The authority may accomplish its purpose individually, through collaboration or by partnering with public or private entities. If possible, the authority may leverage existing resources and infrastructure while not interfering with already available usable water resources.