Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 165, § 20: Opening streets or ways

Section 20. Such corporation may, with the written consent of the aldermen of a city or the selectmen of a town, dig up and open any street or way therein for the purpose of placing such pipes as are necessary in constructing its aqueduct or in repairing or extending the same, if the same is so done as not to prevent the convenient passing of teams and vehicles.