It is the policy of the state to promote the retention and conservation of all water precipitated from the atmosphere in the areas where it falls, as far as practicable. Except as otherwise expressly provided, all officers, departments, and other agencies of the state or political subdivisions having any authority or means for constructing, maintaining, or operating dams or other works or engaging in other projects or operations affecting precipitated water shall use the authority, as far as practicable, to effectuate the policy in this section.