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Boil Water Notice FAQs

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1. A. What is a Boil Water Notice?

It’s a notification that advises residents to boil their tap water used for consumption due to the potential for contamination. A Boil Water Notice is in effect until laboratory results show that water is safe from bacterial contamination.

The City of Murphy will issue a boil water notice, even if there is a very unlikely possibility of drinking water contamination, as a precaution to protect customers. State laws require that a Boil Water Notice is issued if a water system has (or could have) become contaminated from a water line break or loss of system pressure.

2. B. Why is the boil water notice important?

Contaminated water may contain harmful bacteria, viruses, and parasites which can cause symptoms such as diarrhea, cramps, nausea, headaches, or other symptoms. They may pose a special health risk for infants, young children, some elderly and people with severely compromised immune systems.

3. C. How does the City of Murphy inform customers about boil-water notices?

We use a variety of methods to communicate this important information. Typically, Precautionary Boil Water Notice areas are isolated and affect only a small number of customers. In these cases, notification is provided directly to the customers.
 
However, there are instances when a large-scale Precautionary Boil Water Notice is issued. In these cases, where notices cannot be delivered directly to water customers, the City will post the information on the City of Murphy Website and our social media pages (Facebook, Twitter, Nextdoor, RAVE), along with providing information to local media.

The City of Murphy staff diligently calls/knock on doors of businesses, restaurants, schools and health care facilities to let them know about the boil water notice. These same methods are used to notify customers that the boil water notice has ended.

Delivery Notice

The City of Murphy usually issue precautionary boil water notices for 48 hours, until tests show the system is clear of contaminants. If you received a notice on your door that we have issued an advisory, we will also hand-deliver a door notice notice when we lift the alert. If you did not get a door hanger, but heard about the notice through the news, we will also notify the media when we lift the notice.

The City also uses the RAVE Alert mass notification system to send boil water notices to impacted subscribers during geographically large incidents.

Business and Posting Notices

Businesses and non‐residential sites should take steps, such as posting notices at or disabling, water fountains and ice machines, during the boil water notice. If you provide water to visitors or employees, use a commercially produced bottled water for drinking or beverage preparation. Food service operations should contact their regulatory agency for any additional requirements.

4. D. What does boiling water accomplish?

Boiling is considered the safest and most effective method of water disinfection. Vigorous boiling for two minutes will kill any disease-causing microorganisms and parasites present in water.

5. E. Why are Precautionary Boil Water Notices issued?

Precautionary Boil Water Notices may be issued because of water system loss of power, loss of water pressure, a water main (pipe) break or another unforeseen emergency. Water pressure keeps pollutants from entering the underground pipes that bring drinking water to your house or business. When the pressure is lost, it is possible that contaminants could seep into the pipes.
 
 The notice does not mean that the water is contaminated — it means it is possible for contaminants to enter the pipes and affect drinking water. Until required bacteriological testing is completed, we recommend — as a precaution — boiling tap water before consuming it to kill any potential contaminants or using bottled water.

6. F. What if I accidentally drank tap water before I learned about the Boil Water Notice?

If this happens, don’t panic. The chances of becoming ill are slim. See your doctor if you experience diarrhea, nausea, vomiting or abdominal cramps.

7. G. How long should water be boiled?

Vigorous boiling for at least two full minutes is the safest and most effective method of disinfection. Fill a pot with cold water and start timing when steady streams of bubbles pop from the bottom of the pot. Water must be adequately cooled before it can be used for washing or brushing teeth. Store the boiled water in clean, covered containers. Using bottled water is also an option.

8. H. How does boiling water make it safe to drink?

Boiling water purifies it because disease-causing bacteria, viruses or parasites will be destroyed by the heat.

9. I. Should I use bottled water?

Water from an alternative water source is the best option during a boil water advisory. When bottled water is available, it is a good alternative to boiling water.

10. J. Can I wash my hands in tap water during the notice period?

Use tap water and soap for hand washing and basic hygiene, but if you are washing your hands to prepare food, use bottled or boiled water.

11. K. What about brushing teeth?

Use bottled or boiled water to brush teeth.

12. L. Can I take a shower?

Yes. Just be careful not to drink the water while you shower or bathe. Though the risk of illness is minimal, individuals who have recent surgical wounds, are immunosuppressed, or have a chronic illness may want to consider using bottled or boiled water for cleansing until the notice is lifted.

13. M. What about washing dishes?

Hand-washing dishes:

Wash and rinse the dishes as you normally would using hot water.

In a separate basin, add 1 teaspoon of unscented household liquid bleach for each gallon of warm water.

Soak the rinsed dishes in the water for at least one minute.

Let the dishes air dry completely.

Dishwasher: 

Household dishwashers generally are safe to use if the water reaches a final rinse temperature of at least 150 degrees or if the dishwasher has a sanitizing cycle.

14. N. Can I wash food with tap water?

Fruits, vegetables, and other foods should be washed with bottled or boiled water only.

15. O. Can I use tap water for making coffee, tea, lemonade, baby formula, frozen juice, or other beverages?

No. Water intended for drinking must be boiled before using it to make beverages or use bottled water.

16. P. Can I use my ice maker during the notice?

Ice already in the freezer when the water pressure drops and before the Precautionary Boil Water Notice is issued is safe. When the notice is issued, turn off your ice maker. Any ice made during the notice should also be disposed of. Allow your icemaker to make three batches of ice and then discard that ice.

17. Q. Does a water filter protect me?

Water filters in refrigerators and pitchers do not remove bacteria. For under-sink filters, read the manual. If in doubt, boil.

18. R. Is it safe to give water to pets?

Many pets, such as dogs, are susceptible to the same diseases as humans. Provide them with bottled or boiled water.

19. S. Can I use tap water to water my grass or garden?

Yes, but fruits and vegetables must be washed using boiled or bottled water before consumption.

20. T. If the street next to my street is under a Precautionary Boil Water Notice, will the same precautions apply to me?

No, the notice is issued only to those residences and businesses whose water has the chance of contamination.

21. U. When will the Precautionary Boil Water Notice be lifted?

After the water system is repaired, and the pressure is restored in the pipes to your home or business, the Precautionary Boil Water Notice will remain in effect while bacteriological tests are conducted to assure the safety of the water. The notice will be lifted (rescinded) only after the required testing proves the water is safe to drink.

22. V. Is there anything I must do after the Precautionary Boil Water Notice is lifted?

Flush the water out of your household pipes, water fountains, etc. prior to drinking or cooking with the water. Let cold water run through the pipes for a few minutes by opening several faucets throughout the house and outside faucets. If you have an automatic ice maker, allow it to make three batches of ice and then discard that ice. Any ice made during the notice should also be disposed of.

23. W. Who should I contact with additional questions or concerns?

Please contact the City of Murphy Public Services Department, Public Services Director at trogers@murphytx.org, (972) 468-4656, or call Police Dispatch, (972) 468-4200.

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Human Resources

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1. Do I have to apply online?

We highly encourage all applicants to apply online. However, if you do not have access to a computer, we will accept paper applications. We cannot accept a resume in lieu of an application. However, please feel free to submit a resume along with your online application.

If this is your first time submitting an online application, you will need to create an account and select a username and password. After creating your account, you will be able to login and build an application. This application will be saved so that you may use it to apply for multiple jobs without having to create a new application each time. Resumes and other pertinent information can be sent as an attachment in the online application process. This is a secure site, and only authorized city employees have access to your information. Please view our Online Application Guide for step-by-step instructions on how to create an account and apply online.

2. How can I check on the status of my application?

To check on the status of your application, please visit GovernmentJobs and select the “Career Seeker” tab at the top of the screen. Log into your account and select “Application Status” to view the status of each application submitted.

3. How do I apply for a position with the City of Murphy?

The City of Murphy only accepts applications for positions that are currently open and posted. Please view our current job opportunities to apply online.

4. How do I change my contact information?

To change your contact information, please visit GovernmentJobs and select the “Career Seeker” tab at the top of the screen. Log into your account and click on “My Account” to view and edit your contact information.

5. How long does the recruitment process take?

Every recruitment is different; therefore, the process can range from a couple of weeks to a few months depending on the job classification and the complexity of the selection process.

6. I am having problems with my application or my GovernmentJobs.com account. Who do I contact?

For assistance with your GovernmentJobs account, please contact our vendor, NEOGOV, at 1-877-204-4442 and select option #1.

7. I do not see the job that I’m interested in today. Does the City have more career opportunities?

You can only apply for positions that are currently open and posted; however, you are encouraged to fill out a job interest card. This feature provides you with the opportunity to select job classifications that interest you, and an automatic email will be generated when a new position opens up.

8. If I want to apply for multiple positions, do I have to submit an application for each position?

Yes. But our online application system allows you to submit your saved application for each posting in which you are interested.

9. What is the Application Review Process?

Applications and resumes are reviewed by the Human Resources Department to ensure that the applicant meets the minimum qualifications of the job. It is important to note that only applicants whose experience meets the minimum qualifications are considered. The hiring department then reviews the applications and schedules interviews.

Although all applicants who meet the minimum qualifications are considered, those candidates whose background, experience, and education are most closely related to the position may be considered first. Not all applicants will necessarily be interviewed.

10. What will happen if I’m selected for the position?

The Human Resources Department or hiring manager will make you a contingent offer to begin the pre-employment process. At that time, human resources will conduct pre-employment screenings, which may include: social security verification, conducting driving checks, background checks, physicals, and drug screenings and polygraph/psychological testing. A final job offer is made only after these requirements have been met.

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Main

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1. How do I contact a city/county department?

Visit the Staff Directory to find all department and staff contact information.

2. Where can I find the answers to my frequently asked questions?

Use the FAQs module to easily find answers to the questions you ask the most.

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Parks & Recreation - Online Registration

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1. How do I add a family member after I’ve created a household account?

When creating your household account, list everyone in your family, whether or not they plan to register for activities now. Although you can add household members at a later date, you will have to visit a recreation center to do this.

2. Can I register for a class that has already started?

If a class has already started, it may no longer be available for online registration. Please contact the City of Murphy Recreation Department at (972) 468-4444 during normal business hours to find out if online registration is still allowed.

3. How can I pay for classes online?

Online, we accept credit cards (VISA and MasterCard) and debit cards (VISA and MasterCard). Registration will not be completed until the payment is made. It is always a good idea to print a receipt and bring it with you to your first class. This is your proof of registration should the participant's name inadvertently be omitted on a class roster. Some classes have additional information or forms that must be completed by a participant or parent / guardian when completing e-forms.

4. My child is not within a program's posted age requirements. What should I do?

If a participant does not meet the posted age requirements, online registration is not available. However, you may contact City of Murphy Recreation Department at (972) 468-4444, 8:00 am to 5:00 pm, Monday through Friday to obtain the instructor’s approval, if applicable.

5. Will the online transaction be secure?

Payments are processed with the highest level of security by ETS merchant services, a worldwide internet payment processor. If you have any pop-up blockers installed, you will need to disable them, or make the City of Murphy Online Registration a trusted site. If you do not, you will not be able to receive receipts or view all pages properly. The City of Murphy has taken all of the necessary precautions to ensure that this is a secure site, similar to any other e-commerce site on the internet.

6. Multiple charges for one registration appear on my credit card statement. Why am I being charged so many times?

Each time the “submit” button is clicked, your credit card will have a pending charge, so it is important that you only click that button only once.

7. What is your refund policy?

Cancelations and refunds cannot be processed online. If you would like to cancel enrollment in a class and receive a refund, either come by the Murphy Community Center front desk or call 972-468-4444 prior to the scheduled start time of the 2nd class meeting. The refund can take up to 7-10 business days to be processed. If the City or an instructor cancels a class, the participants will be issued a refund.

8. Can I apply a credit on my account toward payment for online registration?

Yes. If you have a credit on your account, it will automatically be applied to your total fees for that transaction during checkout. If you have questions about using your credit, please email or call us at
(972) 468-4496 during regular business hours.

9. Who will use my personal information?

Your information used only to complete the transaction you requested and to analyze trends. The city does not share this information with outside parties except to the extent necessary to complete your order. The city does not sell information about current or former participants to any third parties, and it does not disclose it to third parties, unless necessary to process a transaction you have requested.

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Public Works

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1. How do I get a street light repaired?

Report the problem to (972) 468-4100 or submit a request tracker form to submit the problem. Please supply the address and electric provider (if known) for your neighborhood and we will notify the correct company for repairs. The majority of street lights in Murphy are owned and maintained by either Farmers Electric Company (FEC) or TXU Electric Delivery.

2. How do I get a stop sign repaired?

Report the problem to (972) 468-4100, and please supply the closest address and cross streets of the stop sign location. If it is after regular business hours please call the emergency phone number at (972) 965-6200, which is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and 365 days a year.

3. To whom do I report a missing or damaged street sign?

Report the problem to the Water Department at (972) 468-4100 or submit a request tracker form to submit the problem. Please supply the closest address and cross streets and we will make the necessary repairs.

4. Where does Murphy get its water?

The City of Murphy purchases its water from the North Texas Municipal Water District (NTMWD). NTMWD’s main source of water comes from Lake Lavon.

5. Where is the water shut-off to my house?

It is usually located near your house in the front flower beds. You will need to call a professional plumber out to your home to determine the exact location of the shut-off. If it is a newly constructed home please contact your builder to locate your water shut-off valve.

6. What should I do about a meter leak?

If the leak is on the city's side of a water connection, city crews will make repairs. If the leak is on the customer's side of the connection, the customer will need to arrange to have repairs made by a party other than the city. If a utility bill suddenly increases tremendously, it usually is due to a leak in one of the customer's private pipes. Leaks in city owned water pipes do not register on customers' meters.

7. Whom should I contact if I have no water?

The usual cause of not having water is non-payment of a utility bill. Please contact Utility Billing at (972) 468-4100 for payment and reconnection information. If Utility Billing determines that service was not disconnected for non-payment or discontinued service, that office will dispatch a crew to determine the cause of the water delivery problem. Utility Billing

8. Will the city repair a leak in my home?

Please do not call us if you have a leak inside your home. here may be a water supply cut-off in your "stop waste valve box" by the front faucet outside your home. If there is no cut-off valve or if you need assistance in turning off the water supply to your house, please call Utility Billing at (972) 468-4100. Utility Billing

9. What should I do if my sewer is backing up?

If it is during normal business hours, immediately contact the Water Department at (972) 468-4100. If it is after normal business hours, or no one answers at the main number, call the emergency number, (972) 965-6200. A sewer crew will be dispatched to the address.

10. Can sewer gas enter my home from city sewer lines?

Sewer gas can enter a building when the water located in a trap in the building evaporates. All fixtures that are connected to the sewer system must have traps on them. The water normally retained in the trap forms a barrier which keeps the gases from migrating from the sewer lines into the building.

11. What should I do if water is coming out of the ground?

Water coming out of the ground could be caused by a broken water line or ground water seepage. Please contact Public Works at (972) 468-4100 so that a crew can be dispatched to investigate the problem. Public Works / Utilities

12. Whom do I call if I experience unusual water pressure in my home?

Call the Customer Service Department at (972) 468-4100 during normal business hours. If it is after normal business hours, call the emergency number at (972) 965-6200. If necessary, a Water crew will be dispatched to your home.