N.J. Stat. Ann. § 13:13-12.3

Until otherwise directed by the Legislature, the Department of Conservation and Development shall repair, rehabilitate, reconstruct, maintain and improve the said canal in such manner as shall preserve said canal in safe and proper condition for operation of the same for the purposes of this act and as shall maintain such necessary flow through said canal in order that safety and sanitary conditions in and adjoining said canal shall be in a safe and wholesome condition and as shall assure and maintain such flow of water through said canal as may from time to time be appropriate in order that the maintenance and operation of said canal as a source of industrial water supply may be efficiently provided for.