Minn. Stat. § 103G.101 : Water — Waters Of The State —COMMISSIONER'S AUTHORITY — WATER CONSERVATION PROGRAM

The commissioner shall develop a water resources conservation program for the state. The program must include conservation, allocation, and development of waters of the state for the best interests of the people.

The commissioner must be guided by the program in issuing permits for the use and appropriation of the waters of the state and the construction, reconstruction, repair, removal, or abandonment of dams, reservoirs, and other control structures.