The board of directors, its representatives and employees, including engineers and contractors and their employees, have the right and authority to enter upon private lands within or without the boundaries of the district for the purpose of conducting tests, surveys and other work incidental to the preparation of plans, maps, profiles and reports in connection with any work or proposed work of the district, and the district shall be liable for any damages caused by such entry.
T.C.A. § 69-6-146