1. CHAPTER 16 Water Supply

2. Fire Fighter I Objectives Describe the equipment and procedures that are used to access static sources of water. Describe the characteristics of a mobile water supply apparatus. Describe the advantages of a portable tank system.

3. Fire Fighter I Objectives Describe how municipal water systems supply water to communities. List the types of fire hydrants. Describe the characteristics of wet- and dry- barrel hydrants. Describe the common guidelines that govern the location of fire hydrants.

4. Fire Fighter I Objectives Describe how to inspect and test a fire hydrant. Explain the principles of fire hydraulics. Describe how water flow and water pressure is measured. Explain how friction loss and elevation pressure affects water pressure.

5. Fire Fighter I Objectives Describe how to prevent water hammer. List the two types of fire hose. Describe the characteristics of small-, medium-, and large-diameter hose. Explain how fire hose is constructed. Describe the characteristics of double- and rubber-jacket hose.

6. Fire Fighter I Objectives Describe the characteristics of couplings. List the common types of couplings. Describe the two types of supply hose. List the common types of hose damage. Describe how to clean and maintain hose. Describe how to perform a hose inspection.

7. Fire Fighter I Objectives List the common hose appliances used in conjunction with fire hoses. Describe the characteristics of wyes, water thieves, Siamese connections, reducers, hose jackets, hose rollers, and hose clamps. Describe the types of valves used to control water in pipes or hose lines.

8. Fire Fighter I Objectives List the common types of hose rolls used to organize supply hose. Describe the procedures used to connect supply lines to a fire hydrant. Describe the common types of supply line evolutions.

9. Fire Fighter I Objectives Describe the common techniques used to load supply hose. Describe the common techniques used to carry and advance supply hose. Describe the two types of standpipe systems. Describe how to unload a fire hose.

10. Fire Fighter II Objectives Describe how to perform a service test on a fire hose. List the information that should be noted on a hose record.

11. Introduction Putting water on a fire cools and extinguishes it. Water is obtained from: –Municipal water systems –Static water sources

12. Rural Water Supplies Residents of rural areas usually depend on wells or cisterns to provide water. No hydrants in these areas, so water must be obtained from other sources.

13. Static Water Sources Static sources include: –Rivers or streams –Lakes, ponds, oceans –Canals or reservoirs –Swimming pools –Cisterns © Will Powers/AP Photos

14. Static Water Sources Must be accessible to a fire engine or portable pump –Road or hard surface within 20 ft (6 m) of the source –May have a dry hydrant permanently installed

15. Mobile Water Supply Apparatus Designed to carry large volumes of water Generally carry 1000–3500 gal May be used to pump water directly into attack engine © IAN MARLOW/Alamy Images

16. Portable Tanks Carried on fire apparatus Typically hold 600– 5000 gal (2280- 19,000 L) of water Tankers are used to fill the portable tanks. Courtesy of Captain David Jackson, Saginaw Township Fire Department

17. Portable Tanks The pump operator drafts from the tanks. Dump valves on the tankers allow them to off-load up to 3000 gal (11,400 L) per minute.

18. Tanker Shuttles Used to deliver a large volume of water in a long period of time Number needed depends on: –Distance between fill site and fire scene –Time it takes to dump and to refill –Flow rate required at the fire scene

19. Municipal Water Systems Provide clean water for public use and fire protection. Systems includes water sources, treatment facilities, and a distribution system.

20. Water Sources Sources include: –Wells –Rivers or streams –Lakes –Reservoirs Many systems draw water from several sources.

21. Water Treatment Facilities Remove impurities All water must be suitable for drinking. Chemicals are used to kill bacteria and harmful organisms. © Paul Glendell/Alamy Images

22. Water Distribution Systems Deliver water from treatment facilities to end user Include water mains, pumps, storage tanks, and reservoirs Water pressure requirements differ. –Usually produced by pumps.

23. Water Distribution Systems Water pressure may also be produced by gravity. –Gravity-feed system –Elevated water storage towers

24. Water Distribution Systems Water mains typically follow a grid system. May have dead-end mains –Water enters from only one direction. –Limited available water supply

25. Water Distribution Systems Water main valves –Control valves: Located throughout system to shut down sections –Shut-off valves: Used to shut off water flow to individual customers or to hydrants

26. Fire Hydrants Provide water for firefighting purposes Installed on both public and private water systems Consist of an upright steel casing attached to the underground distribution system

27. Wet-Barrel Hydrants The barrel always has water in it. Each outlet is individually controlled. Additional lines can be added while water is flowing. Courtesy of American AVK Company

28. Dry-Barrel Hydrants Used in cold climates Hydrant valve is located at the base of the barrel. Water flows into the hydrant only when it is needed.

29. Draining a Dry-Barrel Hydrant After each use, water drains out through an opening in the bottom of the barrel. –When valve is open, drain hole is closed. –When valve is closed, drain hole is open. Hydrants may not drain if they are clogged A fully opened hydrant allows for maximum flow.

30. Fire Hydrants Locations Located according to local standards and nationally recommended practices –Every 500 ft (150 m) in residential areas –Every 300 ft (90 m) in high-value areas –Every intersection –Based on occupancy, construction, and size of the building

31. Fire Hydrant Operation Fire fighters must be proficient in operating a fire hydrant. Individual fire departments may have their own variations on this procedure. Always follow the standard operating procedures for your department.

32. Inspecting Fire Hydrants Check for visibility and access. Check for exterior damage. Ensure barrel is dry and free of debris. Ensure all caps in good working order. Open valve for water flow. Shut down and ensure proper draining. Replace cap.

33. Testing Fire Hydrants Fire-suppression companies are often assigned to test the flow from hydrants. Testing procedures are simple, but an understanding of hydraulics and attention to detail are required.

34. Flow and Pressure Flow: Quantity of water moving through a pipe, hose, or nozzle measured by its volume per minute Water pressure: Energy level measured in pounds per square inch

35. Flow and Pressure Static pressure: Pressure when no water is moving Normal operating pressure: Pressure during a period of normal consumption

36. Flow and Pressure Residual pressure: Amount of pressure that remains in the system when water is flowing Flow pressure: Measures quantity of water flowing through an opening during a hydrant test

37. Hydrant Testing Procedure Requires: –Two adjacent hydrants –Pitot gauge –Outlet cap with a pressure gauge

38. Hydrant Testing Procedure Place cap gauge on outlet of first hydrant. Open hydrant valve and record pressure reading as the static pressure. At second hydrant, remove cap and open valve.

39. Hydrant Testing Procedure Place pitot gauge in stream. At the same time, record residual pressure at the first hydrant. Calculate or look up in tables to determine flow.

40. Fire Hydraulics Deal with properties of energy, pressure, and water flow as related to fire suppression.

41. Flow Volume of water that is being moved Measured in gallons per minute Metric measured in liters per minute

42. Pressure Amount of energy in a body or stream of water Measured in pounds per square inch (psi) Required to push water through a hose or to lift water up to a higher level

43. Friction Loss Loss of pressure as water moves through a pipe or hose Loss represents the energy required to push the water. –With any combination of flows and diameter, friction loss is proportional to the distance.

44. Elevation Pressure Elevation affects water pressure. Elevated water tanks supply pressure to pipes due to elevation.

45. Water Hammer Surge in pressure caused by sudden stop in the flow of water Can damage hose, couplings, and plumbing To prevent, open and close valves slowly.

46. Functions of Fire Hoses Supply hose –Used to deliver water –Designed to carry large volumes of water at lower pressures Attack hose –Used to discharge water –Operate at higher pressures than supply lines.

47. Sizes of Hose Range in size –Small-diameter hose (SDH) lines: 1" to 2" (2.54–5.08 cm) –Medium-diameter hose (MDH): 2½" to 3½" (6.25–7.62 cm) –Large-diameter hose (LDH): 3½" (8.89 cm) or more

48. Pressure Testing Attack hose –Tested annually –Tested to 300 psi (130.2 kPa) Supply hose –Tested annually –Tested to 200 psi (86.8 kPa)

49. Hose Construction Constructed of inner waterproof liner and one or two outer layers Can be double-jacket hose or rubber-jacket hose

50. Hose Construction Inner waterproof liner –Prevents water leakage –Provides smooth surface to reduce friction –Attached to outer covering

51. Hose Couplings Used to connect individual lengths of hose Used to connect hose line to hydrants, valves, nozzles, fittings, and appliances

52. Threaded Couplings Used on most hose up to 3" (7.62 cm) A set consists of male and female Standardized hose threads are used by most fire departments.

53. Threaded Couplings If there is any leakage, a spanner wrench can tighten the couplings until the leakage is stopped. The couplings are constructed with either rocker lugs or rocker pins.

54. Storz-Type Couplings Has neither male nor female ends Couplings are mated face-to-face. Adapters are used to connect Storz-type couplings to threaded couplings.

55. Uncoupling Charged hose lines should never be disconnected while the water inside the hose is under pressure. Always shut off the water supply and bleed off the pressure before uncoupling.

56. Attack Hose Used for fire suppression Carries water from the attack pumper to the fire –Commonly 1½" (3.81 cm) or 1¾" (4.45 cm) lines –1" (2.54 cm) booster lines –1" (2.54 cm) or 1½" (2.81 cm) forestry lines

57. Supply Hose Used to deliver water to an attack engine from a pressurized source Range from 2½" to 6" (6.35–15.24 cm) in diameter. Large diameters are much more efficient for moving larger volumes of water over longer distances.

58. Supply Hose Soft suction hose –Short section of large diameter hose –Used to connect a fire department engine directly to the steamer outlet on a hydrant

59. Supply Hose Hard suction hose –Used to draft water from a static source –Water is drawn into the pump on a fire department engine or into a portable pump.

60. Causes of Hose Damage Mechanical damage Heat and cold Chemicals Mildew

61. Hose Inspections Test each length of hose at least annually. Perform visual hose inspections at least quarterly. Hose records provide a written history of each individual length of fire hose.

62. Hose Appliances Wyes –Splits one hose stream into two –A gated wye is equipped so that the flow of water to each of the split lines can be controlled independently. Courtesy of Akron Brass Company

63. Hose Appliances Water thief –Similar to a gated wye –Has an additional 2½" (6.35 cm) outlet Courtesy of Akron Brass Company

64. Hose Appliances Siamese connection –Combines two hose lines into one –Often used on engine outlets, master streams, and fire department connections Courtesy of Akron Brass Company

65. Hose Appliances Adapters –Used to connect same size hoses but with dissimilar threads –Are double-female or double-male

66. Hose Appliances Reducers –Used to attach smaller hoses to larger hoses –Commonly used to reduce a 2½" (6.35 cm) hose to a 1½" (3.81 cm) hose © 2003, Berta A. Daniels

67. Hose Appliances Hose jacket –Used to stop a leaking section of hose –Consists of a split metal cylinder that fits tightly over the hose © 2003, Berta A. Daniels

68. Hose Appliances Hose roller –Used to protect a line being hoisted over an edge –Prevents chafing and kinking © 2003, Berta A. Daniels

69. Hose Appliances Hose clamp –Used to temporarily stop the flow of water in a hose –Can be used if a hose ruptures or it has to be connected to a different appliance

70. Hose Appliances Valves –Control the flow of water in a hose or pipe –Different types: Ball valve Gate valve Butterfly valve Courtesy of Akron Brass Company

71. Hose Rolls Efficient way to transport a section of fire hose Hose can be rolled in many different ways, depending on how it will be used. –Straight hose roll –Single-doughnut hose roll –Twin-doughnut hose roll –Self-locking twin-doughnut hose roll

72. Fire Hose Evolutions Standard methods of working with fire hose to accomplish different objectives Every fire fighter should know how to perform all of the standard evolutions. Divided into supply line operations and attack line operations.

73. Supply Line Operations The objective is to deliver water from a water source to an attack engine. Can be done using either a: –Forward lay: starts at hydrant; proceeds toward fire –Reverse lay: starts at fire; proceeds toward hydrant

74. Supply Line Operations Forward hose lay –Allows first engine to establish a water supply without assistance –Places the attack engine close to the fire –Can be used with medium- or large- diameter hose

75. Supply Line Operations Four-way hydrant valve –Used when a supply engine may be needed at the hydrant –When four-way is placed on the hydrant, water initially flows. –A second engine can then hook to the four-way and boost pressure to the supply hose.

76. Supply Line Operations Reverse hose lay –Hose is laid from the fire to the hydrant. –Used when attack engines begin attack without a supply line –Later arriving company stops at the attack engine and lays line to the hydrant.

77. Supply Line Operations Split hose lay –Performed by two engines –Used when hose must be laid from two directions –Requires coordination by two-way radio Courtesy of Scott Dornan, ConocoPhillips Alaska.

78. Loading Supply Hose Can be loaded in different ways The hose must be easily removable from the hose bed. Many hose beds are several feet above the ground.

79. Loading Supply Hose Flat hose load –Easiest to load –Can be used for any size of hose –Hose should lay out flat without twists or kinks.

80. Loading Supply Hose Horseshoe hose load –Stand hose on edge and place it around the hose bed in a U-shape. –Contains fewer sharp bends than other loads –Cannot be used for large diameter hose –Causes more wear on the hose

81. Loading Supply Hose Accordion hose load –Hose is laid side-to-side in the hose bed. –Easy to load in the hose bed –Creates sharp bends and more wear on the hose –Not recommended for large diameter hose

82. Connecting an Engine to a Water Supply Supply hose must be used to deliver water from the hydrant to the engine. In most cases, soft suction hose is used to connect directly to a hydrant. Connection can also be made with a hard suction hose.

83. Supply Hose Carries and Advances Best technique for carrying and advancing fire hose depends on: –Size of hose –Distance it must be moved –Number of fire fighters available

84. Supply Hose Carries and Advances Working hose drag –Used to deploy hose from a hose bed and advance the line a short distance –Several fire fighters may be needed for the task.

85. Supply Hose Carries and Advances Shoulder carry –Used to transport full lengths of hose over a longer distance –Useful for advancing a hose line around obstructions –Requires practice and good teamwork

86. Connecting Supply Hose Lines to a Standpipe System Fire department connections are provided so that the fire department can pump water into a standpipe or sprinkler system.

87. Connecting Supply Hose Lines to a Standpipe System There are two types of standpipe systems: –A dry standpipe system depends on the fire department to provide all of the water. –A wet standpipe system has a built-in water supply

88. Replacing a Defective Section of Hose A burst hose line should be shut down as soon as possible. After the flow has been shut off, remove the damaged section of hose and replace it with two sections of hose.

89. Replacing a Defective Section of Hose To put the hose back into service, the hose must be drained of water. Hose should be unloaded and reloaded on a regular basis to place the bends in different portions of the hose.

90. Summary In rural areas, fire departments depend on static sources for water supply. Municipal water systems supply water via hydrants. The water supplied in a municipal system is drawn from an outside source, treated, and carried through a distribution system. The two types of fire hydrants are wet- and dry- barrel.

91. Summary The locations of fire hydrants are determined by local standards and national practices. Fire fighters must know how to operate fire hydrants. Basic water terms must be known to understand fire hydrant testing procedures. Fire hoses are used as supply and attack hoses and are available in different sizes.

92. Summary Fire hoses are constructed with an inner liner surrounded by an outer layer. Couplings connect fire hose together. There are two types of couplings: threaded and Storz-type. Supply hose can be soft or hard suction. Fire hose should be inspected per NFPA standards.

93. Summary Common causes of hose damage are mechanical, heat and cold, chemical, and mildew. Visual hose inspections should be performed quarterly. Several types of hose appliances are available. Rolled hose is easy to manage. A supply line delivers water from a hydrant or static source to an attack engine.

94. Summary Hose can be loaded in several different ways. Many techniques are used to carry and advance supply hose. A hose line should be laid out and positioned nearest the location where it will be operated before being charged with water.