Except as provided in paragraph (2) of this subsection, a person may not obstruct a drainage project constructed under this title in a manner that impedes the free flow of water. A person may place a properly constructed swinging water gate across a ditch on a fence line to prevent livestock from trespassing through the ditch. A person who violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor and on conviction is subject to a fine not exceeding $500 for each offense. Each fine collected under this section shall be paid to the county tax collector and credited to the drainage association that suffered the damage.