The damages allowed to the owners of lands shall be paid or tendered before the commissioners shall be authorized to enter upon such lands, for the construction of any drains or ditches proposed thereon. If the owner is unknown or there shall be a contest in regard to the ownership of the lands, or the owner will not receive payment, or there exists a mortgage or other lien against the same or the commissioners cannot for any other reason pay him, they may deposit the said damages with the clerk of the court, for the benefit of the owner, or parties interested, to be paid or distributed as the court shall direct and such payment shall have the same effect as the tender to and the acceptance of the damages awarded by the true owner of the land. This section shall not, however, prevent said commissioners, their agents, servants and employes [employees] going upon said lands to do any and all work found necessary prior to making their report thereof.