§ 1226-x. Limited liability. Neither the members of the governing body of either the water board or of the authority, nor any officer or employee acting in their behalf, shall be subject to any personal liability resulting from the construction, maintenance or operation of any of the properties of either the water board or the authority or from carrying out any of the powers expressly given in this title; provided, however, that this section shall not be held to apply to any independent contractor.