(a) Upon the certification by the county engineer that the improvement or improvements have been satisfactorily completed, the improvement or improvements shall be incorporated into the water system serving the community, in accordance with the terms of the contract or contracts which shall also provide that the owner or operator of the water system shall be responsible for the operation and maintenance of the improvement or improvements and that the county government shall in no way be responsible for the operation or maintenance of the improvement or improvements. The improvement or improvements shall, however, remain the property of the county and, except as otherwise provided in such contract or contracts, shall be subject to the control of the county government.

(b) Any duly organized fire company, including volunteer fire companies, may inspect and test all fire hydrants and all water mains serving such hydrants located within the area that such company already operates and shall report its findings to the State Fire Marshal, the owners or operators of the water distribution systems serving such fire hydrants and water mains and to the municipality or local government having jurisdiction over such water system. In addition thereto, a fire company shall be permitted to utilize fire hydrants designated in advance by the owners or operators of a water distribution system and within the area that such company operates for testing fire-fighting equipment. At least 24 hours prior to any inspection or test or testing of fire-fighting equipment, the water distribution system and the municipality or local government having jurisdiction over such water system shall be notified. At the request of the owners or operators and for good cause shown, the State Fire Marshal may postpone an inspection or test or testing of fire-fighting equipment for not more than 10 days.

48 Del. Laws, c. 331, § 17; 9 Del. C. 1953, § 569; 55 Del. Laws, c. 85, § 4A; 62 Del. Laws, c. 256, § 1.