Fire Protection
Fire Protection
For centuries water has been used to extinguish fires. The inexpensiveness and availability of water are the primary factors leading to its widespread use.
Most municipalities are willing to incur the higher cost for installing larger distribution system infrastructure because of the reduction in life and property loss that is possible by using the water system for fire protection. Water in sufficient quantity can cool the fire; the steam can deprive the fire of oxygen and in the case of miscible or dense fluids, water can disperse the fuel.
Resources
Residential Fire Sprinkler Systems: Guidance for Water Utilities
Supplying water for fire sprinkler protection is a valuable service provided by many water utilities in North America. As service areas grow, fire risks usually increase and place a greater burden on communities to protect human life and property. Most water utilities design additional capacity into their distribution system to ensure that large volume flows and adequate pressures are available to inundate fires. In recent decades, fire risks have been reduced through improvements in building materials and designs, and the use of fire alarm systems and internal fire sprinkler systems. Although residential fire sprinkler systems (RFSS) are less common than commercial and industrial systems, their use is growing. RFSS offer effective life safety protection in residential occupancies, including smaller dwellings, where delayed fire department response times can increase of loss of life.
This guidance document provides information to help water utilities understand the purpose and features of RFSS, and guide them in setting their own policies and procedures for the design, installation, and operation of water distribution systems servicing customers with RFSS.
Technical Resources
Reports
Manuals
AWWA Standards
M1 Principles of Water Rates, Fees, and Charges
The authoritative resource on water rates, fees, and charges.
Get the Manual
M17 Fire Hydrants: Installation, Field Testing, and Maintenance
A thorough discussion of wet-barrel and dry-barrel hydrants, including installation and testing.
Get the Manual
M31 Distribution System Requirements for Fire Protection
This manual provides information on designing water distribution systems to meet fire protection and suppression requirements.
Get the Manual
AWWA C502 Dry-Barrel Hydrants
The purpose of this standard is to provide the minimum requirements for dry-barrel fire hydrants for fire-protection service, including materials, general design, and testing.
Get the Standard
AWWA C503 Wet-Barrel Hydrants
The purpose of this standard is to provide purchasers, manufacturers, and suppliers with the minimum requirements for wet-barrel fire hydrants for fire-protection service, including materials, design, inspection, testing, marking, and shipping requirements.
Get the Standard
AWWA C703 Cold-Water Meters — Fire Service Type
This standard covers the various types and classes of cold water fire service type meters in sizes 3 in. (80 mm) through 10 in. (250 mm) and the materials and workmanship used in their fabrication.
Get the Standard
AWWA C714 Cold-Water Meters for Residential Fire Sprinkler Systems in One- and Two-Family Dwellings and Manufactured Homes
This standard describes cold-water meters used for residential fire sprinkler applications that meet the requirements of NFPA 13D in one- and two-family dwellings and manufactured homes…
Get the Standard
Advertisement
Events With a Focus on Fire Protection
See All Events
External Resources
Fire Protection Research Foundation
National Fire Sprinkler Association (NSFA)
National Fire Protection Association (NFPA)
NFPA 820 Standard for Fire Protection in Wastewater Treatment and Collection Facilities
NFPA 1142 Standard on Water Supplies for Suburban and Rural Fire Fighting
NFPA 13 Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems
NFPA 13R Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems in Low-Rise Residential Occupancies
AWWA Policy Statements
AWWA’s policy statements are brief statements on protecting and improving water supply, water quality, management, and the interests of the public and the environment. They are written by consensus, subject to review and comment by AWWA committees, councils, and members. Because they represent AWWA’s position on these matters, they are approved by the AWWA Executive Committee of the board of directors.
Technical Committee Engagement
AWWA members are recognized globally for their industry expertise and their generosity in sharing that expertise for a better world through better water. AWWA members participate in committee activities, developing conference programs, writing technical manuals, developing standards, creating educational content and contributing to AWWA publications. Committee members primarily interact through conference calls, emails, and face to face meetings at conferences and events.
Advertisement
