16Use of natural watercourses

16 Use of natural watercourses

(1)  The undertakers may use any natural watercourse as a channel for the supply of water that they are required or authorized to supply for the purposes of the special Act , subject to the provisions of this section.

(2)  Where the undertakers use a natural watercourse under subsection (1) , they shall modify or replace all bridges, crossings, fences, offtakes, and other works affected by such use so that they are as convenient to the owners, occupiers, and users as they were before such use, or as nearly so as is reasonable in the circumstances.

(3)  Nothing in subsection (2) affects the maintenance of such works, but where the cost of their maintenance is increased by such use, the undertakers shall pay the increase in cost to the person who would otherwise bear or be liable therefor.

(4)  Where the undertakers so use a natural watercourse or in consequence any such works become necessary to give owners or occupiers of riparian land or persons wishing to cross the watercourse such facilities as they had before such use, the undertakers shall construct and maintain the necessary works.

(5)  Where such facilities as are mentioned in subsection (4) are provided to the reasonable satisfaction of the owner, occupier, or authority concerned, the undertakers shall make compensation for the difference in value between the facilities lost and the facilities constructed.