The principal act that governs River Pines Public Utility District is the Public Utility District Act. The principal act empowers the District to acquire, construct, own, operate, control, or use works for supplying light, water, power, heat, transportation, telephone service, or other means of communication, or means for the disposal of garbage, sewage, or refuse matter.

In addition, the District may acquire, construct, own, complete, use, and operate a fire
department, street lighting system, public parks and other recreation facilities, and provide for the drainage of roads, streets, and public places. Districts must apply and obtain LAFCO approval to exercise services authorized by the principal act but not already provided (i.e., latent powers) by the district at the end of 2000.