(1) Whenever a water system or part thereof presents or threatens to present a public health hazard requiring immediate action to protect the public health, safety and welfare, the Director of Human Services may request the district attorney of the county wherein the system is located to institute an action. The action may be commenced without the necessity of prior administrative procedures or hearing and entry of an order or at any time during such administrative proceedings, if such proceedings have been commenced. The action may petition for a mandatory injunction compelling the water supplier to cease and desist operation or to make such improvements and corrections as are necessary to remove the public health hazard or threat thereof.
(2)(a) If the water supplier refuses to comply with the order of the court, in addition to other remedies, the court may appoint a special master to operate the water system. Costs of operation and improvement during operation by the special master are to be charged to the water supplier and may be collected by impounding revenue due to the water supplier from customers of the supplier; or, if those funds are insufficient, from other revenues due to the water supplier.
(b) The court may require sale of a water system under a special master to a responsible party if the water supplier refuses to comply with the standards and requirements of the Department of Human Services.
(3) Cases filed under provisions of this section or any appeal therefrom shall be given preference on the docket over all other civil cases except those given an equal preference by statute.
(4) Nothing in this section is intended to prevent the maintenance of actions for legal or equitable remedies relating to private or public nuisance or for recovery of damages brought by private persons or by the state on relation of any person. [Formerly 449.247; 1975 c.254 §10; 1979 c.284 §145; 1981 c.749 §15]
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