When any petition as herein described shall be presented to the county commissioners, the said commissioners are hereby empowered and given authority to grant the right to said petitioner to lay, maintain and operate water mains, laterals and equipment for a period not to exceed twenty-five years, along and across the streets, public highways and other grounds or property located within the boundary lines in the petition and to erect and maintain equipment therefor under rules and regulations approved by the board of county commissioners.