It is the intent of the Legislature acting by and through the authority and the department to aid, assist and coordinate existing community water systems in locating, developing and sustaining adequate potable water supplies for the citizens of this state and to this end to authorize the incorporation of a state authority with power and authority to issue water system assistance bonds, as may be necessary, from time to time, to finance community water system projects. Further it is the intent of the Legislature that community water systems shall not be required to participate in programs authorized by this chapter.
Ala. Code § 22-23A-2 (1975)