By the provisions of this act the legislature has declared that the water district shall have and exercise the right of eminent domain for the purpose of obtaining real property to construct and operate spreading grounds to replenish the underground water basin within said district or to augment the common water supplies thereof. The legislative grant of the right of condemnation of property for use as spreading grounds is a legislative declaration that such use is a public use as defined herein. The replenishment of an underground water basin through the use of spreading grounds concerns the whole community, promotes the general interest in its relation to a legitimate object of government, and is a public use within the meaning of article I, section 14, of the Constitution. The trial court's finding that the use and purposes for which the defendant's property is sought to be condemned is a public use authorized by law is supported by the record.
Resolution No. 326 of the Board of Directors of the district was introduced in evidence. The provisions of section 2 of the Orange County Water District Act relative to the power of the district to exercise the right of eminent domain to acquire spreading grounds were recited therein and it was found and determined that the public interest and necessity requires the acquisition, construction and completion of a spreading ground which is necessary to replenish the underground water basin within said district and to augment the common water supplies of the district. It was further found and determined that said public interest and necessity require that the district acquire title to defendant's property. The resolution further authorized the bringing of an action in condemnation and the taking of possession.