The board of water commissioners of a village may cause water pipes to be laid, relaid or repaired under any public highway in a county in which any part of such village is situated, or in an adjoining county, for the purpose of introducing water into and through the village; and shall cause the surface of such highway to be restored to its usual condition; and said board of water commissioners may also acquire, take over, and accept from any individual or corporation, gratuitously, or at a nominal consideration any water pipes which have been heretofore laid under any of such public highways in a county in which any part of such village is situated, or in an adjoining county, for the purpose of continuing the supply of water or for the purpose of introducing water into and through such territory, outside of such village, where such water pipes are situated, and supplying the inhabitants thereof with water.
New York Legal Code