(a) An authority may (1) levy and collect benefit assessments upon the lands and buildings within its jurisdiction that, in its judgment, are especially benefited by a wastewater system; (2) establish, revise and collect rates, fees, charges, penalties and assessments for the use and benefits of a wastewater system; and (3) order the owner of any building which is accessible to a wastewater system to connect to such system, all in the manner provided in sections 7-249 to 7-257, inclusive, and sections 22a-416 to 22a-599, inclusive.

(b) Any assessment of benefits, including any installment thereof, and any charge, fee, fine or other amount that is not paid within thirty days after the due date shall be delinquent, shall be subject to interest and shall constitute a lien upon the premises served and a charge upon the owner thereof all in the manner provided both by the provisions of the general statutes for delinquent property taxes and by § 7-258. The rules and regulations of the authority may provide for the discontinuance of water pollution control service for nonpayment of taxes, special assessments, fees, rates, penalties or other charges therefor imposed under sections 22a-500 to 22a-519, inclusive. Such lien shall take precedence over all other liens or encumbrances except taxes and may be foreclosed against the lot or building served in the same manner as a lien for taxes, provided all such liens shall continue until such time as they shall be discharged or foreclosed by the authority without the necessity of filing certificates of continuation, but in no event for longer than ten years. The authority may institute a civil action against such owner to recover the amount of any such fee or charge which remains due and unpaid for thirty days along with interest thereon at the same rate as unpaid taxes and with reasonable attorneys’ fees.