(a) The Department of Health and Social Services may regulate and prescribe the manner in which all cesspools, privy wells and other drainage systems shall be constructed within the limits of all incorporated towns and at any place within 1 mile from the water supply thereof. The Department of Health and Social Services may adopt regulations to insure that water supply systems are constructed or altered in a manner that preserves the quality of water supplied to the public.
(b) As used in this chapter, “water supply system” means all plants, systems, facilities or properties used or useful, or having the present capacity for future use, in connection with the supply or distribution of water, and any integral part thereof, including water distribution systems, mains, laterals, pumping stations, standpipes, filtration plants, purification plants, hydrants, meters, valves and equipment, appurtenances and all properties, rights, easements and franchises relating thereto and deemed necessary or convenient by the authority for the operation thereof. Except as otherwise provided in this chapter, the term “water supply system” shall not mean a dam, reservoir, surface water intake, waterway obstruction or well.