All provisions of law now applicable to irrigation districts, privately owned irrigation corporations, or ditch companies, regarding the exercise of the power of eminent domain, the use and occupation of state and other public lands and highways, the appropriation, or other acquisition, enjoyment, or use of water, water rights, or water diversion or storage rights, for any of the purposes contemplated in this chapter, the manner or method of construction and physical operation of irrigation works, storage dams, drainage ditches, as herein contemplated, shall be applicable as nearly as may be, and so far as not in conflict with the provisions of this chapter, to water user districts organized under this chapter in their exercise of the rights, powers, and franchises and in the performance of the duties conferred or imposed upon them under the provisions of this chapter.

Source: SL 1939, ch 291, § 8; SDC Supp 1960, § 61.1308; SDCL, § 46-16-49.