Water SupplyIntermediate

SFFMA Objectives:12-02.01 – 12-02.064Hrs received

SFFMA Objectives 12-02.01 Trainee shall identify the following types of water main valves: A.

indicating C. post indicators B. non-indicating D. outside screw and yoke 12-02.02 Trainee shall identify hydrant usability by:

A. obstruction to use of hydrant B. direction of hydrant outlets to suitability of use operating the hydrant C. mechanical aboveground damage D. condition of paint for rust and corrosion E. the flow by fully F. the ability to drain

12-02.03 Trainee shall define, explain, and demonstrate where applicable, the use of a rural dry fire hydrant system and static water supply source.

12-02.04 Trainee shall define a tanker shuttle. 12-02.05 Trainee shall identify the apparatus, equipment, and appliances

required to provide water at rural locations by relay pumping, large diameter hose, or a tanker shuttle.

12-02.06 Trainee shall demonstrate deployment of a portable water tank.

Firefighter II

Water Main ValvesProvide means for controlling flow of water

through distribution pipingShould be located at frequent intervals in

grid system so only small sections are cut off if necessary to isolate parts of system for repairs

12–3

(Continued)

Firefighter II

Water Main Valves

12–4

(Continued)

Firefighter II

Water Main ValvesSpacing should be such that only minimum

length of pipe is out of service at any timeShould be operated at least once/year to keep

workingWater department should be able to open

valves promptly when needed

12–5

(Continued)

Firefighter II

Water Main ValvesIndicating valves

Show position of gate or valve seat

Includes most valves in fire protection systems

Post indicator valves (PIVs)Outside stem and yoke

(OS&Y) valves

12–6

(Continued)

Water Main ValvesOS&Y Valve (Outside stem and yoke)

A type of control valve for a sprinkler system in which the position of the center screw indicates whether the valve is open or closed

Post Indicating ValveValve type used to control underground water

mains that provides visual means for indicating “open” or “shut”

Firefighter II

Water Main ValvesNonindicating valves

Normally buried/installed in utility manholes

Can be operated aboveground through valve box or may need special socket wrench on end of reach rod

12–8

(Continued)

Firefighter II

Water Main ValvesControl valves

Can be indicating or nonindicating types

Gate valvesButterfly valves

12–9

(Continued)

Firefighter II

Water Main ValvesProper valve installation (spacing)

Necessary to close off one or two hydrants from service while single break in main is being repaired

Advantages reduced if all valves not properly maintained and kept open

12–10

Firefighter II

Water MainsGenerally made of cast iron, ductile iron,

asbestos cement, steel, PVC, plastic, or concrete

Must be proper type for soil conditions, and pressures to which will be subjected

12–11

(Continued)

Firefighter II

Water MainsWater flow may be resisted by internal

surface of pipe, encrustations, solidified sediments

12–12

Firefighter II

PressureForce per unit areaForce that moves water through conduitMeasured in pounds per square inch (psi) or

kilopascals (kPa)

12–13

Firefighter II

Static PressureWhen little or no water

flow, pressure that can be measured is static pressure

Rarely found in public water supply system

12–14

(Continued)

Firefighter II

Static PressureDefined in this context as normal pressure

existing on system before water released from hydrant

12–15

Firefighter II

Flow PressureForward velocity pressure at discharge

opening while water flowingCan be measured with pitot tube and gauge

12–16

Firefighter II

Residual PressureRepresents pressure left in system at specific

location when water flowing

12–17

(Continued)

Firefighter II

Residual PressureThat part of total available pressure not used

to overcome friction/gravity while forcing water

Provides indication of availability of additional water

12–18

Firefighter I

Dry HydrantsInstalled at static water sources to increase

water supply availableUsually constructed of steel or PVC pipe with

strainers at water source, steamer ports to connect to pumper

Designed to supply at least 1,000 gpm (4 000 L/min)

12–19

(Continued)

Firefighter I

Water ShuttlesInvolve hauling water from supply source to

portable tanks from which water may be drawn to fight fire

Recommended for distances greater than ½ mile (0.8 km) or greater than the fire department’s capability of laying supply hoselines

12–20

(Continued)

Firefighter I

Water ShuttlesCritical elements

Fast-fill, fast-dump capabilitiesWater supply officers at fill/dump sitesTraffic controlHydrant operationsHookupsTank venting

12–21

Firefighter I

Water ShuttlesKey componentsDump sitePortable tanks

12–22

(Continued)

Firefighter I

Water ShuttlesWays in which water

tenders unloadGravity dumpingJet dumps that increase

flow rateApparatus-mounted pumpsCombination of these

methods

12–23

(Continued)

Firefighter I

Water ShuttlesAccording to NFPA® 1901, water tenders on

level ground should be capable of dumping/filling at rates of at least 1,000 gpm (4 000 L/min)

12–24

(Continued)

Firefighter I

Water ShuttlesTo fill water tenders quickly, use best fill site,

large hoselines, multiple hoselinesMultiple portable pumps may be necessary

12–25

Firefighter I

DISCUSSION QUESTION

What are the advantages and disadvantages of a water shuttle operation?

12–26

Firefighter I

Relay PumpingCan be used in situations where water source

is close enough to fire scene to render water shuttles unnecessary

Factors to considerWater supply must be capable of maintaining

desired volume of waterRelay must be established quickly

12–27

(Continued)

Firefighter I

Relay PumpingDetermining number of pumpers needed and

distance between themSeveral factors to take into accountApparatus with greatest pumping capacity

should be at water source

12–28

(Continued)

Firefighter I

Relay PumpingDetermining number of pumpers needed and

distance between them Large-diameter hose or multiple hoselines

increase distance, volume a relay can supplyWater supply officer should consider all factors

and determine correct distance

12–29

Practical ExerciseFirefighter shall:

Identify apparatus, equipment, and appliances required to provide water at rural locations by Relay pumping or Large diameter hose or Tanker shuttle

Firefighter shall:Demonstrate deployment of a portable water

tank