(1) To request a preliminary survey for a proposed conservancy district, the applicants shall present a written petition to the department.
(2) The petition shall:
(a) be signed by at least 10% of the registered voters residing within the boundaries of the proposed conservancy district;
(b) generally describe the proposed boundaries of the district;
(c) specify the purpose or purposes of the district;
(d) list the works contemplated;
(e) request that a preliminary survey be initiated.
(3) The department may initiate a preliminary survey without any prior written petition.