Makawao

All water sources, including bottled water, can reasonably contain at least minimal amounts of certain contaminants. The presence of these substances doesn't necessarily indicate a health risk. For more comprehensive information about contaminants and potential health effects, contact the Environmental Protection Agency's Safe Drinking Water Hotline at 800-426-4791 or visit www.epa.gov/safewater.

Water sources (both tap and bottled) include rivers, lakes, streams, ponds, reservoirs, and wells. As water travels across land surfaces or through soil, it dissolves naturally-occurring minerals and, in some cases, radioactive materials, while also potentially collecting substances from animal presence or human activity.

Potential contaminants in water sources include:

• Microbial Contaminants - viruses, bacteria, and pathogens from sewage treatment facilities, septic systems, agricultural operations, and wildlife
• Inorganic Contaminants - salts and metals occurring naturally or resulting from urban runoff, wastewater discharges, oil/gas production, mining, or farming
• Pesticides and Herbicides - from various agricultural, urban, and residential applications
• Organic Chemical Contaminants - including synthetic and volatile organic compounds from industrial processes, petroleum production, gas stations, stormwater runoff, and septic systems
• Radioactive Contaminants - naturally occurring in some environments

To ensure safe tap water, the EPA has established regulations limiting certain contaminant levels in public water systems and requiring regular monitoring.

When is the next civil service firefighter examination scheduled? Please visit www.MASS.GOV/CivilService for current information. Note that as of 2018, candidates for North Andover must be Massachusetts certified emergency medical technicians to qualify for this examination.

How do I become a North Andover Firefighter? The North Andover Fire Department operates under Massachusetts Civil Service, selecting candidates from a list of top applicants who have passed the state examination. This exam occurs every 2 years and remains valid until the next testing cycle. Additionally, because our department operates two fulltime ambulances, we only accept applicants from the certified EMT list provided by the state. Candidates must obtain Massachusetts Emergency Medical Technician Basic certification to be considered.

Does your department accept used/expired fire extinguishers, propane tanks, or flares? The North Andover Fire Department does not accept these items. For disposal options, please check these resources:

• Flares disposal information
• Fire Extinguisher recycling
• Propane tank disposal
• Municipal Household Hazardous Waste Collection Facilities

I received an ambulance bill - who should I contact regarding insurance information? The North Andover Fire Department uses an external billing service; contact information is available HERE.

What's the process for selling my home and having it inspected? Currently, you need to visit North Andover Fire Department Headquarters to complete a 26F compliance form. The inspection fee is $50, payable by check to the "Town of North Andover." After submitting the form, you can schedule an appointment for the Fire Prevention Officer to conduct the inspection. Smoke Detector regulations are available at the linked resource.