In this chapter, unless the context otherwise requires:

1. "Active management area" means an active management area established under chapter 2 of this title.

2. "Authority" means a county water augmentation authority established under this chapter.

3. "Board" means the board of directors of the authority.

4. "County" means the county containing over fifty per cent of the area of the authority.

5. "Operating unit" means a county, city, town, water company or political subdivision, this state, the United States, an Indian tribe or any other public or private entity with which an authority has a contractual relationship for the acquisition, delivery, exchange, treatment, storage or recharge of water.

6. "Project" means a facility necessary or convenient to obtain, divert, withdraw, transport, exchange, deliver, treat or recharge water, including rights-of-way, real and personal property, interests in property and improvements to property that are necessary or appropriate to maintain and operate the facilities.

7. "Water company" means either a private water company as defined in section 45-402 or an irrigation district that primarily serves municipal water.