The department shall give information so far as it may be practicable to persons contemplating the formation of districts.

Whenever the department deems it in the public interest that preliminary surveys and field investigations of a proposed district project should be made at the expense of the State, the department shall make the surveys and field investigations.

Pending the completion of the preliminary surveys and field investigations, the State Water Resources Control Board may withhold from appropriation any unappropriated water likely to be needed by the district.