Any corporation so formed under this act shall have the power to contract with any township or townships for the sale of water to said township or townships; and for that purpose it is authorized and empowered to buy, hold and sell real and personal property and to erect and maintain all necessary and convenient buildings, fixtures, machinery and other appurtenances, and, subject to the provisions of this act, to lay water pipes or mains in, across and through the public streets, highways or alleys in said township or townships: Provided, however, That before laying any pipe or main in, across or through any public street, highway or alley such corporation shall first procure the written consent of the state highway commissioner if such street, highway or alley be under his control and jurisdiction, or of the board of county road commissioners if such street, alley or highway be under the control and jurisdiction of such board, or of the township board of the township if the street, highway or alley be under the control and jurisdiction of such township board.