(70 ILCS 3705/1) (from Ch. 111 2/3, par. 188)
    Sec. 1. Any contiguous area in this State having a population of not more than 500,000 inhabitants, which is so situated that the construction or acquisition by purchase or otherwise and the maintenance, operation, management and extension of waterworks properties within such area will be conducive to the preservation of public health, comfort and convenience of such area may be created into a public water district under and in the manner provided by this Act. The words "waterworks properties" as used in this Act shall mean and include any or all of the following: Wells, springs, streams or other source of water supply, pumping equipment, treatment or purification plants, distribution mains, cisterns, reservoirs, necessary equipment for fire protection and other equipment, and lands, rights of way and easements necessary for the proper development and distribution of a supply of water for the use of said area and the inhabitants thereof for compensation; provided, however, any public water district created under this Act shall not have authority to construct, acquire, maintain or operate a water distribution system in any city, village or incorporated town located within such district, except as hereinafter provided.
    The term "sewerage properties" means and includes any or all of the following: A sewerage treatment plant or plants, collecting, intercepting and outlet sewers, lateral sewers, and drains, including combined storm water and sanitary drains, force mains, conduits, pumping stations, ejector stations and all other appurtenances, extensions and improvements necessary, useful, or convenient for the collection, treatment, and disposal in a sanitary manner of sewage and industrial wastes.
(Source: Laws 1951, p. 1615.)