Pennsylvania Statutes Title 16 P.S. Counties § 5199.11. Expenditures for dams, reservoirs and other water resources

(a) The board of commissioners of any county of the second class A may borrow, appropriate and expend money for the construction, acquisition, operation and maintenance of dams, reservoirs and other facilities for the utilization of surface and ground water resources and all related structures, appurtenances and equipment necessary for the use of said dams and reservoirs and may acquire by purchase, gift, or the exercise of power of eminent domain, sites for the same: Provided, That the said board of commissioners shall obtain a permit from the Water and Power Resources Board whenever such permit is required by law: And provided further, That the said board of commissioners shall not acquire by the exercise of power of eminent domain the property of a public utility subject to the jurisdiction of the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission or Federal Power Commission.

(b) The board of commissioners of any county of the second class A may enter into agreements for the regulation of withdrawals and diversions of waters from said dams and reservoirs and the sale of the same, subject to approval of State, Federal or interstate agencies which may have primary jurisdiction over water resources. Dams and reservoirs acquired or constructed by the commissioners may be for the sole purpose of water supply or in conjunction with any other purposes, except the generation of electric energy.

(c) The board of commissioners of any county of the second class A may enter into contracts or long-range cooperative programs with State, Federal, interstate and local government agencies or public utilities for the development and use of the counties' water resources.