(1) For the purposes of providing its area or any part thereof with a supply of water, a local authority may, with the approval of the Government, and subject to the provisions of this chapter –
(a) construct, lay or erect filters, reservoirs, engines, conduits, pipes or other works within or outside the limits of its local area;
(b) purchase or take on lease any water work or any water or any right to store or to take or to convey water either within or outside the limits of the local area; and
(c) contract with any local authority or other person or agency for the supply of water.
(2) If in the opinion of the Government, a local area does not possess a sufficient supply of wholesome water in the houses for consumption of its inhabitants, 44 they may direct the local authorities concerned, either singly or in combination with the local authority or authorities having jurisdiction over any neighbouring local area which are similarly situated to execute within such time as the Government may fix such works as may be directed by the Government for providing a sufficient supply of wholesome water in the fair human consumption.
(3) The water works constructed or erected or laid under this section shall vest in the local authority and it shall maintain adequate establishments for the working and maintenance of, and repairs to the engines, pipes, pumps and fittings of water works and other appurtenances thereto in the supply of water.
Power of Government to divert water from water main belonging to a local authority
22. The Government shall have power to authorise to use all water from any water main belonging to or in the control of a local authority for supplying water to any other area, subject to such payment being made to the local authorities concerned and subject to also such other conditions as the Government may consider reasonable:
Provided that before taking action under this section, Government shall communicate to the local authority the grounds on which they proposed to do so, fix a reasonable period for the local authority to show cause against the proposal and consider its explanation or objection if any.
Water supply by pipe system