(1) For the purpose of acquiring any lands or property for the operation of the municipal waterworks system authorized by law, a municipality shall have the right of eminent domain as provided in §§ 18-15-301 — 18-15-303.
(2) The municipality shall have the right by its agents or employees to peacefully enter upon any lands, structures, or rights-of-way to make surveys, tests, and measurements thereon, but is liable for any damage that may result by reason of its acts.
(3) When a municipality by inadvertence has taken private property without the eminent domain procedure authorized by law or without the consent of the property owner, the municipality may file an application in the circuit court of the county in which the property is situated setting out the facts and praying that a jury be assembled to assess the amount the municipality should pay for the property so taken.
(4) Service of process or publication of notice shall be as provided in §§ 18-15-301 — 18-15-303.