When used in this article, the following words and phrases shall have the following meanings, respectively, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise:

1. (1) WATER SYSTEM. A plant and system for the gathering, collecting, or impounding of water and the distribution thereof for domestic or industrial use or both or a plant or system for the purchase, transportation, and/or distribution of water for domestic or industrial use or both, together with all appurtenances thereto and all property used or useful in connection therewith, including franchises.
2. (2) SEWER SYSTEM. A sanitary sewer system, including mains, laterals, sewage disposal plants, or sewage treatment plants and all appurtenances to such system and all property used or useful in connection therewith, including franchises.
3. (3) GAS SYSTEM. A plant and system for the manufacture and distribution of gas or a system for the purchase, transportation, and/or distribution of manufactured or natural gas, together with all appurtenances thereto and all property used or useful in connection therewith, including franchises.
4. (4) ELECTRIC SYSTEM. A plant and system for the generation, manufacture, and distribution of electricity or a system for the purchase, transportation, and/or distribution of electricity, together with all appurtenances thereto and all property used or useful in connection therewith, including franchises.
5. (5) SYSTEM. A water system or a sewer system, or a gas system or an electric system.
6. (6) SYSTEMS. More than one system.

(Acts 1951, No. 175, p. 416, §1.)