In order that the state may share to the fullest extent in the benefits already gained through fundamental research and investigation on new and improved means for predicting, influencing, and controlling the weather, for the best interest, general welfare, health, and safety of all the people of the state, and to provide proper safeguards in applying the measures for use in connection therewith in order to protect life and property, it is deemed necessary and hereby declared that the state of North Dakota claims its sovereign right to use the moisture contained in the clouds and atmosphere within the state boundaries. All water derived as a result of weather modification operations shall be considered a part of North Dakota’s basic water supply and all statutes, rules, and regulations applying to natural precipitation shall also apply to precipitation resulting from cloud seeding.