| Water
Supply Information |
| The water supply, in
general, must provide at least 20% of the required fire flow as determined by an analysis
of the structures in the community or fire district being evaluated. Requirements will vary for each community; however, to be considered
for a classification better than Class 9, the system should be capable of delivering at
least 250 gpm for a 2-hour duration, in addition to maximum domestic consumption. |
|
| The
following types of water systems will usually provide a water supply in the Class 8 range. |
| 1. |
An elevated tank of
at least 50,000 gallon capacity having sufficient height to produce at least 50 psi
pressure at fire hydrants throughout the city. The
source of supply should be capable for meeting maximum consumption demands to avoid
drawing appreciably from storage.
Distribution system should be made of 4" or larger
mains serving 4" or larger fire hydrants. Distribution system should be capable of
delivering at least 500 gpm in business and public building areas, at least 250 gpm should
be provided in residential areas. Fire flows should be available at a minimum pressure of
20 psi.
Hydrants should be spaced for effective use by the fire
department. Usually hydrants spaced 300' - 500' apart in commercial areas and 500' - 800'
apart in residential areas will result in a Class 8 range. |
| 2. |
Alternate method for
providing fire protection water supply is to use large diameter hose lines from a supply
source using relay pumpers. |
| 3. |
A third method, more
common than method (2), is to provide a fire protection water supply using a tanker
shuttle system. |
|
| In both methods (2)
and (3), a minimum of 250 gpm must be developed within the first 5 minutes of arrival at
the fire scene. Please not that a combination of the
systems described above may also be used.
If additional information is needed on the tanker shuttle
system, please contact our office.
Insurance Services Office, Inc.
111 N. Canal St., Suite 950
Chicago, IL 60606-7270
Fax: 800-771-6431 |
|
| Water
Supply Books |
| 1. |
The Fire Department
Water Supply Handbook, by William F. Eckman $46.95, Fire Engineering, 1-800-752-9768 |
| 2. |
Rural Firefighting
Operations - Book Two, The First Encyclopedia of Water Supplies and Water Delivery
Techniques, by Larry Davis. $31.95, Fire Fighting Engineering, 1-800-752-9768 |
| 3. |
Water Supplies for
Suburban and Rural Fire Fighting, NFPA 1231. $22.25, National Fire protection Association, 1-800-344-3555 |
| 4. |
Water Supplies for
Fire Protection, IFSTA
$25, Oklahoma State University Fire protection Publications, 1-800-654-4055 |
|
|
