The water commissioner shall be the general executive officer of the city waterworks and shall have charge of all employees and property pertaining to the waterworks or system. He shall give written orders for all supplies and materials and preserve a copy of such orders in his office. He shall have charge of all contracts and shall see that they are faithfully executed. He shall have charge of the erection, alteration or repair of all buildings, engines, pumps, fixtures, wells, reservoirs and grounds and other property of the city water department and shall generally do and perform any and all duties as required of him in the successful and efficient operation of the water department of the city. (1953 R.C.)