Sierra Madre Water Department

WHAT IS A WATER QUALITY GOAL? Beyond mandatory water quality standards, USEPA and DDW have established voluntary quality targets for certain contaminants. These goals are typically set at levels that may not be practically measurable but provide valuable guidance for water management practices.

The water quality report includes three types of goals:

• Maximum Contaminant Level Goal (MCLG): Level below which there's no known health risk, set by USEPA
• Maximum Residual Disinfectant Level Goal (MRDLG): Safe level for disinfectants in water
• Public Health Goal (PHG): California EPA's established safe contaminant level

POTENTIAL CONTAMINANTS IN SOURCE WATER: As water travels through various environments, it can pick up several types of substances:

• Microbial contaminants from sewage facilities, septic systems, and wildlife
• Inorganic contaminants like metals and salts from urban runoff or natural sources
• Pesticides and herbicides from agriculture and residential usage
• Radioactive materials occurring naturally or from industrial activities
• Organic chemicals from industrial processes and petroleum production

All water, including bottled water, contains some level of contaminants. Their presence doesn't necessarily indicate a health risk. For more information about contaminants and potential health effects, call the USEPA's Safe Drinking Water Hotline (1-800-426-4791).

SPECIAL HEALTH CONSIDERATIONS: Some individuals may be more vulnerable to contaminants, including those undergoing chemotherapy, organ transplant recipients, people with HIV/AIDS or immune disorders, the elderly, and infants. These individuals should seek advice from healthcare providers about water consumption.

LEAD IN TAP WATER: Elevated lead levels can cause serious health problems, especially for pregnant women and young children. Lead typically comes from service lines and home plumbing materials. After water sits for several hours, you can minimize potential lead exposure by flushing your tap for 30 seconds to 2 minutes before using water for consumption. If concerned, consider water testing. In 2017, local schools requested lead sampling services.

FLUORIDE VARIANCE: Sierra Madre received a variance from DDW regarding fluoride standards after a public hearing in 1995 found no significant community opposition. The current MCL for fluoride is 2 ppm with a PHG of 1 ppm. In 2017, the City maintained fluoride levels below these thresholds. Note that additional fluoride products are unnecessary for children due to existing fluoride levels.

DRINKING WATER SOURCE ASSESSMENT: A 2002 assessment concluded that Sierra Madre's groundwater wells generally resist contamination. However, potential contamination sources exist nearby, including gas stations, chemical storage facilities, auto repair shops, and fertilizer/pesticide application areas.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How do I find current job opportunities?
   You can search online, review job flyers in the Human Resources Department lobby, or check Sunday editions of the Star-Telegram. Specialized positions may be advertised in professional journals or on job websites.
2. How do I apply for a position?
   Apply online for fastest processing or visit the Human Resources Department between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday. Faxed applications are not accepted. All applications must be received by the published deadline.
3. How do I apply online?
   Click the "Apply Now" link at the top of the job listing page. You can navigate between application pages as needed and will receive a confirmation message upon successful submission.
4. Can I submit a resume instead of an application?
   You may attach a resume to your application, but it cannot replace a completed application form.
5. How long are applications kept on file?
   Applications remain in the Human Resources office for 30 days.
6. How can I contact Human Resources?
   The office is open 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. Call 817-685-1451 or visit the Harold Samuels Finance Building at N. Ector Dr., Euless, TX 76039.
7. What benefits are offered?
   The City provides a comprehensive benefits package for all full-time positions.
8. What is the application process?
   Applications are evaluated based on qualifications and reviewed by the hiring department. Qualified applicants will be contacted for interviews. The process timeline depends on advertisement duration, number of applicants, and departmental review requirements.
9. What happens after the initial interview?
   Depending on the position, candidates may need to complete additional testing, interviews, background checks, driving record reviews, credit checks, reference checks, and employment verification. All candidates must pass physical and substance screenings after receiving a conditional job offer.
10. How do I apply for firefighter positions?
    Applicants must complete and pass both written and physical ability tests. Visit the Firefighter Recruit page for testing schedules and requirements.