Madison's water system, which went into operation in 1880, is owned and run by the city of Madison. The city agency designated by state statutes to manage and operate the water system is the Madison Water Utility.

Though the utility is an agency of the city of Madison, it is somewhat different from other departments because it gets money to operate from water bills instead of tax dollars.

State statutes also provide for the appointment of a Board of Water Commissioners to manage the utility and oversee its operation. The board appoints a general manager, subject to the approval of the mayor and City Council. The general manager is responsible for day-to- day operation and supervision of the utility.

The general manager serves at the pleasure of the mayor and, ultimately, the mayor has final say on renewal of the manager's contract. General Manager David Denig-Chakroff's contract is up for renewal in June.

The Madison Board of Water Commissioners has five members - four citizens and one City Council member. The mayor appoints and the City Council confirms water commissioners for terms of five years for citizen members (with staggered appointment dates) and two years for the City Council member.

The members are not paid. Agendas for the monthly meetings of the Board of Water Commissioners are available on the Madison Water Utility's Web site, http://www.madisonwater.org/ aboutUsbo.html.

Members of the board can be reached by writing to an individual commissioner at the Madison Water Utility, 119 East Olin Ave., Madison WI 53713.