Columbia Powers and Duties ordinance (Charter § 100)

The director of the water and light department shall serve as the operating engineer of the water and light plants and shall have charge of:

1. The physical properties of the water and light plants, all of the distribution systems thereof, filtration plants, reservoirs, wells, generating plants and other facilities directly connected therewith; and all plants, properties, equipment and appliances incident to or connected with the operation of the water and light department, whether within or without the city.

2. The designing, construction, reconstruction, addition, repair, replacement, maintenance, supervision and operation of the water and light plants, physical properties, buildings and distribution systems; and street lighting system and equipment, except as provided in item 6, Section 70 of this charter.

3. The mechanical and engineering work of the department.

4. Meter readings, a list or copy of which shall be furnished to the director of finance.

5. The enforcement of all rules, regulations, methods and practices prescribed by the council governing the furnishing and measurement of the water and light services, including the authority to cut off any service for nonpayment, or for nonmaintenance of equipment connected with the main supply, or noncompliance upon the part of any customer with ordinances, rules and regulations relating to the department.

6. The records of location, direction, depth and connections of all underground facilities and equipment of the department.

The director of the department, shall perform such other duties not herein specifically set out as may be required by the city manager, by this Charter, by law or by ordinance.

The director and employees of the department shall have authority in the necessary discharge of their duties to enter upon any lands, properties or premises within or without the city for the examination or survey thereof, or for the purpose of repairing, inspecting, removing or connecting the service, reading meters, or any other purpose whatsoever in connection with the water and light service.