§ 12-1. Powers of Department.

(a) In general.

The Department of Public Works shall have full power and authority:

(1) to convey water under and along any of the streets, lanes, and alleys of the City of Baltimore;

(2) to lay a pipe or pipes in any of the said streets, lanes, and alleys for the purpose of conveying and distributing the said water;

(3) to renew and repair the said pipes from time to time; and

(4) for that purpose, to dig, break up, and open such portions of such street, lane, or alley, and of the pavement and footways thereof as may be necessary, leaving at all times a sufficient passageway for pedestrians and vehicles, if the same will admit thereof.

(b) Prompt restoration of streets required.

All such streets, lanes, and alleys as shall from time to time and at any time be so dug, opened, and taken up shall be restored as soon as possible to their former condition at the expense of the Department of Public Works.