The department of water resources has full power and authority to institute, maintain, and prosecute to determination in an administrative proceeding or any of the courts of this state, or in any of the federal courts, any and all actions, suits, and special proceedings that may be necessary to enjoin unauthorized use of water, enforce an order of the department or the commission, or otherwise administer the provisions of this chapter. Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the department of water resources may issue administrative orders requiring the immediate cessation of water use when the department has a reasonable belief the use is unauthorized or continued use will damage the rights of prior appropriators.