duties.] In all cases where there are springs or tanks of water in this state which are the property of any community, and from which such community obtains water for the use of such community or any of the members thereof, it shall be lawful for the members of such community at such time and place and in such manner as acequia commissioners are elected in this state to elect three commissioners who shall be members of such community and partitioners of such water, whose duty it shall be to protect such springs and tanks and to provide for suitable dams and breakwaters for the same.