Districts may be formed under the provisions of this act¹ for irrigation, or partly for irrigation, by a substantial compliance with the terms as near as possible. But no such district in its construction or operation shall in any manner interfere with works for the prevention of floods, or the drainage of lands, or materially diminish their protective value. And the court organizing such irrigation district shall require a statement in the petition and proof to the effect that the organization and operation of the same will not materially interfere with any work or plans for flood prevention, the drainage or protection of lands, or the flow of waters covered by the terms of a contract. Nor shall any improvement under this act deprive the owners of lands lying upon any stream of water of the ordinary flow in said stream sufficient for domestic and stock uses, without compensation therefor.

Subject to the above, the board of directors shall have the same powers as are herein conferred generally by its provisions as far as applicable.

Special assessments shall be levied and bonds issued as already provided, using the words “Conservancy Special Assessments,” or “Conservancy Bonds.”