The board of the district may in lieu in whole or in part of levying assessments for repayment of construction costs under a contract with the United States or with the district, fix and collect charges for the use of water or for any other service furnished by means of the distribution system in the same manner and with the same effect as charges are made and collected by districts for the use of water or for services. Such charges may be in excess of charges made and collected by the district for the use of water or for services in other areas of the district.