(1) Counties may develop water service plans. These plans should encourage small water systems to combine management functions and to consolidate where possible. Water service plans must be in keeping with county land use plans.

(2) Cities or counties, whichever have authority to issue building permits, must certify that the Oregon Health Authority has approved the construction and installation plans of a proposed water system development and the development plan does not violate city or county water service plans before issuing a building permit.

(3) Counties or boundary commissions are authorized to approve the formation, consolidation and expansion of water systems not owned by cities in keeping with county and city plans. In doing so, counties or boundary commissions should consider whether water service is extended in a logical fashion and water systems have a financial base sufficient for operation and maintenance. [1981 c.749 § 13; 2009 c.595 § 848]