The state engineer shall make hydrographic surveys and investigations of each stream system and source of water supply in the state, beginning with those most used for irrigation, and obtaining and recording all available data for the determination, development and adjudication of water supply of the state including the location and survey of suitable sites for dams and reservoirs and the determination of the approximate water supply, capacity and cost of each. He is authorized to cooperate with the agencies of the United States engaged in similar surveys and investigations and in the construction of works for the development and use of the water supply of the state, expending for such purposes any money available for the work of his office, and may accept and use in connection with the operations of his office the results of the agencies of the United States.