The water superintendent shall have general supervision over the waterworks of the city, and appurtenances thereto, under the direction of the mayor and council. The superintendent shall attend to the tapping of mains, and laying and connecting up of laterals and installation of meters and meter boxes, and shall see that all open ditches and excavations on or along the streets, alleys and thoroughfares of the city are carefully guarded by rails and lights or other proper warning signals. He shall have charge of and operation of the pumping stations and reservoirs and shall keep the mains of the system filled with pure and wholesome water at a pressure sufficient for proper fire protection. The superintendent shall also keep an inventory of all property belonging to the water system and shall, with the consent of the mayor and council, purchase supplies and equipment necessary for the maintenance of the system. He shall, upon request, attend meetings of the city council and render such report and statements as may be required; he shall perform such other duties as may be required by him by ordinance or order of the mayor or council; and to the end that provisions of this section may be carried out, the superintendent shall be allowed such assistance as the mayor or council may deem necessary and proper. (Ord. 221 § 2, 1966)