That for the purpose of acquiring the necessary lands, water and water rights and carrying out of the provisions of this act, there is hereby conferred upon the boards of county commissioners of any such counties, the same rights of eminent domain as are conferred by law upon cities in the acquisition of land, or water, for waterworks to be exercised as set forth in Kan. Stat. Ann. §§ 26-501 to 26-516, inclusive.