Fire and Life-Safety Group (FLS)

On-Site Reservoir for Fire Sprinkler Water Supply

Introduction

This document was prepared to list some but not all of the requirements based on the latest edition of adopted codes in 2004.  Please ensure that all the requirements of applicable codes at the time of new installations or changes to existing installations are verified and implemented. 

Water Supply Capacity

Section 15.1.2 of the 2002 edition of the Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems (NFPA-13) states that water supplies are to be capable of providing the required flow and pressure for the required duration of time specified in NFPA-13 chapters 11, 12, and 13.

Water Filtering

Section 15.2.5 fo the NFPA-13 states that water supply connections from penstocks, flumes, rivers, lakes, or reservoirs are to be arranged to avoid mud and sediment and are to be provided with approved double removable screens or approved strainers installed in an approved manner.

Water Supply Treatment

Sect. 15.1.5 of the NFPA-13 states that water supplies and environmental conditions are to be evaluated for the existence of microbes and conditions that contribute to microbiologically influenced corrosion (MIC). Where conditions are found that contribute to MIC, the owner is to notify the sprinkler system installer and a plan to treat the system is to be developed using one of the following methods:

•  Install a water pipe that will not be affected by the microbes.

•  Treat all water that enters the system using an approved biocide.

•  Implement an approved plan for monitoring the interior conditions of the pipe at established time intervals and locations.