(1) In addition to the purposes for which counties are now authorized to exercise the power of eminent domain, counties are authorized to exercise that power for the purpose of acquiring property for water facilities and sewer facilities.
(2) The counties shall exercise their power of eminent domain only as a last resort, and they shall make use of existing easements and rights-of-way to the extent practicable.
(3) Counties shall exercise the power of eminent domain for the purposes set forth in subsection (a) of this section in accordance with the same procedures and methods by which municipalities are authorized to acquire property by exercising the power of eminent domain for municipal water works purposes, as set forth in §§ 18-15-401 — 18-15-410.