Every water utility desiring to take, use or occupy any lands or to take or divert any spring or stream of water necessary for the rendition of its public utility service may exercise the power of eminent domain as provided in sections 48 and 49 hereof to acquire such lands, right and privileges.
If the owner of any real estate shall not have given his consent in writing to the diversion, or diminution of such spring or stream, and the damage to the real estate by reason of such diversion or diminution shall not have been ascertained and paid pursuant to said chapter 1 of the Title 20, Eminent Domain, then the owner may, by action at law, recover any damages he may sustain by reason of such diversion or diminution. Nothing in this section shall be construed to limit or affect the power or jurisdiction of the Department of Conservation and Economic Development.
N.J.S. § 48:19-15.1