In addition, and as an alternative, to the matters contained in this division regarding distribution and apportionment of water, the district or any improvement district, distribution district, or zone therein may, by resolution, enter into long term water service contracts with holders of title to land therein, and may require execution of such a contract by a holder of title to land as a condition precedent to the delivery of water from the district to such holder of title or to the use by such holder of title of any facilities of the district or any improvement district, distribution district, or zone. Such contracts may provide that all water charges provided for, when due, are a lien on the landowner’s land in the nature of assessments, and may be collected and enforced in the manner provided in this division for the collection and enforcement of assessments. If such a contract does so provide, such lien shall have the same force, effect, and priority as an assessment lien for all such water charges levied after recordation of such contract in the office of the county recorder in the county in which the land is situated. Unless such water service contract is recorded, it shall have no force or effect whatever against any person other than a party to the contract, unless such person has actual knowledge of the contract and its contents.

(Added by Stats. 1978, Ch. 499.)