(2) It is recognized also that potable water supply problems in many areas of the state where the population is rapidly expanding can best be solved through the cooperative and integrated effort and support of unincorporated and incorporated areas. It is the purpose of ORS 450.600 to 450.989 to provide a means whereby water authorities can be formed and such cooperation and integration can be achieved and ORS 450.600 to 450.989 is to be construed liberally to accomplish that purpose. [1955 c.614 §1; 1971 c.504 §1; 1993 c.577 §32]