(a) Authority.--Except as provided in subsection (b), in providing for, regulating, protecting and extending a township's system of distribution of water, a township may occupy streets, roads or highways, and may take, injure or destroy private property as provided in this chapter. A highway under the jurisdiction of the Department of Transportation may not be occupied until a permit has been obtained from the Department of Transportation.
(b) Exceptions.--Property belonging to or used as a cemetery, place of public worship, public or parochial school or other educational or charitable institution or seminary shall not be taken, injured or destroyed by virtue of this section.