85-7-1931. Use of water for irrigation a public use. (1) The use of all water required for the irrigation of the land of any district formed under the provisions of part 1, together with the rights-of-way for canals and ditches, sites for reservoirs, and all property required in fully carrying out the provisions of this chapter, is hereby declared to be a public use, subject to the regulations and control of the state in the manner prescribed by law.

(2) All water, the right to the use of which is acquired by the district under any contract with the United States, shall be distributed and apportioned by the district in accordance with the acts of congress, the rules and regulations of the secretary of the interior, and the provisions of said contract in relation thereto.