Section 5. In all proceedings for the acquisition by a town of the water works and other property of a water company created by special law in the commonwealth providing for the appointment of commissioners for the determination of the price to be paid for such water works and property, the matters to be referred to, heard and determined by, such commissioners shall be referred to, heard and determined by, the department, and its determination and award shall have the same force and effect as if the determination and award had been made by the commissioners provided for in the charters of such companies.