18. Power of Government to direct local authority to execute water works.
(1)If in the opinion of the Government a local area does not possess a sufficient supply of wholesome water fit for the consumption of its inhabitants, they may direct the local authority concerned, either singly or in combination with the local authority or authorities having jurisdiction over any local area or areas in the neighbourhood 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 fit for human consumption.(2)A local authority may, with the previous sanction of the Government,-(a)construct, lay or erect filters, reservoirs, engines, conduits, pipes or other works without the limits of its local area, for supplying such area with water;(b)purchase or take on lease any water works, or any water, or any right to store or to take or convey water either within or without the limits of its local area;(c)contract with any local authority or other person or agency for the supply of water.(3)A local authority may, with the previous sanction of the Government, by public notice, declare any lake, stream, spring, well, tank, reservoir, pond or other source of water-supply, whether within or without the limits of its local area (other than a source under the control of the Government), from which water is or may be made available for the use of the public in the local area for domestic purposes, to be a source of public water-supply for such purposes and every such source shall thereafter be under the control of the local authority, only to the extent necessary for such purposes.
