Any person having by lease, purchase or agreement, written or oral, procured from any carrier water for the irrigation of lands or for other use whatsoever, and having actually applied such water to beneficial uses, shall thereafter in every year, upon payment of the reasonable rate therefor prescribed by the county commissioners (or if no such rate has been prescribed, then at a reasonable rate and price, not exceeding that at which such carrier has been wont to supply to others) be entitled to continue in the enjoyment of water from the works of such carrier to the same amount: Provided, That nothing herein contained shall be deemed to enlarge the effect of any grant, lease, or other agreement by any carrier, for the use by one person, during any limited period, of water to the use and enjoyment of which by lawful grant, lease or agreement of such carrier theretofore made, any other person is entitled, such person so entitled to the use of such waters not then having need or occasion therefor, nor to entitle any person to resume the use or enjoyment of water after having failed or refused to pay the reasonable rate lawfully demanded therefor by the carrier in any year, nor to require the carrier to supply water to persons persistently refusing to comply with the reasonable regulations prescribed by such carrier for the government of the distribution of water from its works.