Reservoirs

§ 2. The legislature may by general laws provide for the use of not\nexceeding three per centum of such lands for the construction and\nmaintenance of reservoirs for municipal water supply, and for the canals\nof the state. Such reservoirs shall be constructed, owned and controlled\nby the state, but such work shall not be undertaken until after the\nboundaries and high flow lines thereof shall have been accurately\nsurveyed and fixed, and after public notice, hearing and determination\nthat such lands are required for such public use. The expense of any\nsuch improvements shall be apportioned on the public and private\nproperty and municipalities benefited to the extent of the benefits\nreceived. Any such reservoir shall always be operated by the state and\nthe legislature shall provide for a charge upon the property and\nmunicipalities benefited for a reasonable return to the state upon the\nvalue of the rights and property of the state used and the services of\nthe state rendered, which shall be fixed for terms of not exceeding ten\nyears and be readjustable at the end of any term. Unsanitary conditions\nshall not be created or continued by any such public works.\n