Ala. Code § 9-9-56
All drainage districts created under Title 2, Sections 208 through 262 of the 1940 Alabama Code, shall be known as water management districts and shall continue to carry out their drainage purposes under this article. In order for such existing districts to exercise the additional powers granted by this article, the commissioners of the districts must file a petition in the probate court requesting such additional powers. Proper notice must be given to landowners in the same manner as in the first instance of the creation of the district, and all other proceedings must be conducted insofar as possible in accordance with the procedures set forth for determining whether or not the district will be created in the first instance.
Ala. Code § 9-9-56 (1975)