640.400. 1. Sections 640.400 to 640.435 shall be known andmay be cited as the "Missouri Water Resource Law", in recognitionof the significance of the conservation, development andappropriate use of water resources in Missouri.
2. The department shall ensure that the quality and quantityof the water resources of the state are maintained at the highestlevel practicable to support present and future beneficial uses.The department shall inventory, monitor and protect the availablewater resources in order to maintain water quality, protect thepublic health, safety and general and economic welfare.
(L. 1989 S.B. 112, et al. ยง 1)