(A) The governing body of each county of the State is authorized to acquire, construct, improve, enlarge, operate and maintain, within such county, facilities to provide water for industrial and private use and facilities for the collection, treatment and disposition of sewage, including industrial waste. No such facilities shall be provided by the county within the territory of any special purpose district or authority existing on March 7, 1973, authorized to provide such facilities or within the corporate limits of any incorporated municipality without the consent of the governing body of such municipality, special purpose district, or authority, as the case may be. Nothing herein contained is intended to authorize the levy of taxes.

(B) Every county governing body is authorized to adopt regulations with respect to the use of its water and sewage facilities, including regulations requiring connection thereto of properties to which such facilities are available.

(C) Every county governing body is authorized to place into effect and revise from time to time a schedule of rates and charges for the use of its water or sewer facilities.

(D) Every county governing body is authorized to enter into contracts in connection with the providing of water or sewer services, or both, and facilities with persons, private corporations, municipal corporations, public bodies, public agencies, special purpose districts, the State of South Carolina or any agencies thereof, and with the United States Government or any agencies thereof.

(E) Every county governing body is authorized to establish such departments, boards, commissions, and positions in the county as may be necessary or appropriate to provide water or sewer facilities, or both, and services and to prescribe the functions thereof from time to time, and further in conjunction with the governing bodies of other counties, to create such agencies, boards and authorities as may be necessary and proper to provide water or sewer services, or both, and facilities and to vest in any such agencies, boards or authorities as agents of the several counties, any powers vested by this article in the several counties.