A duly certified copy of the articles of incorporation executed by the secretary of state shall be filed in the office of the county clerk of each county through or into which any canal, ditch or pipeline may run or any reservoir may be established or in which the company may desire to transact business. Duly certified copies of the articles of incorporation shall be given by the secretary of state or county clerks, on the payment of the fees allowed by law, and shall be received as evidence in any of the courts of this state.