19Agreements in relation to water supplyS
(1)For the purposes of section 17, a relevant authority may—
(a)enter into an agreement with Scottish Water; or
(b)enter into an agreement to—
(i)secure the use of water under the control of a person other than Scottish Water;
(ii)improve access to any such water;
(iii)lay and maintain pipes and carry out other works in connection with the use of such water.
(2)Subject to section 9A of the Water (Scotland) Act 1980 (c. 45) (charging for emergency use of water), an agreement mentioned in subsection (1)(a) may include terms as to payment to be made to Scottish Water.
(3)Scottish Water shall not unreasonably refuse to enter into an agreement mentioned in subsection (1)(a) which is proposed by a relevant authority.
(4)Any question whether Scottish Water has unreasonably refused to enter into an agreement mentioned in subsection (1)(a) shall be determined by the Scottish Ministers.