Final answer:
The municipality would need to acquire an easement to install a water line across private property. Public utilities may negotiate for an easement or use eminent domain to ensure efficient service while compensating the property owner.
Step-by-step explanation:
The right of the municipality to install a water line underground across Owner A's property would involve the acquisition of an easement. Public utilities, like water companies, are often natural monopolies because the infrastructure required to deliver services is so costly that it's impractical to have duplicate systems from competing companies. To facilitate important services like water supply while respecting private property, the law allows for utilities to acquire easements, which are a type of property right that gives the holder a limited right to use a portion of someone else's land for a specific purpose.
In cases where a utility must install lines across private property, the utility typically tries to negotiate an easement agreement with the property owner. If they cannot reach an agreement, the utility may have the right to invoke eminent domain, where the government can take private property for public use, such as installing public utility lines, with fair compensation to the owner. This process is implemented with the intent of serving the overall public interest while aiming to fairly compensate the property owner for the limited use or acquisition of their land.