Brazil City Fire Department
	2007 City Water Distribution and Hydrant Report
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Recently the department completed its annual analysis of City fire hydrants to gather individual hydrant statistics and available water flow in an area for the purpose of fire fighting operations. In addition to the collection of hydrant statistics the department flushes hydrants to clear stagnated sections of water lines from the water distribution system to the hydrant itself. This operation of hydrant flushing is done twice a year, once in the spring and again in the fall. This insures that these inactive water line sections of the distributions system are flushed out and removed from the public water supply grid system. This also allows the department to test available water flow and ensure the operation of hydrants if needed for fire suppression. These measures are taken to ensure the health and safety of the public.

 The information collected this year can be utilized to determine the calculated available water flow in an area for individual structures and surrounding exposures. The calculation of needed water flow for individual structures is based on the National Fire Academy formula required water flow for fire suppression. The NFA formula predetermines needed water flow based on information related to structure size, type, number of floors and exposures or neighboring structures. The formula is divisible by the amount or percent of the structure involved in fire to determine water flow needed. This will range from a needed water flow for a small room and content fire, to a large fully involved structure fire.             

Hydrant testing measures the amount of available water from a hydrant in Gallons Per Minute (GPM) and the measurement of static and residual pressure. Static pressure is pressure at rest or when water is still and not flowing. The City’s average static pressure ranges from 55 psi to 70 psi dependent on water usage based on the time of day and stored water in the tower. Residual pressure is also used to calculate the amount of total available water for a certain area by flowing two hydrants at the same time. Residual pressure is calculated by the amount of pressure drop to determine total water flow when another hydrant is operated on the same City water supply line.                     

Older out of service hydrants have been replaced over the last several years. Hydrant replacements made since the 2005 Insurance Services Office (ISO) mitigation review contributed to the improved ISO public protection classification rating of class 5. Replacement of these hydrants has focused on the relation of the hydrant and the water supply grid system. New hydrants have been placed on larger water mains in the system than the out of service hydrants in the area. A hydrant that can be placed on a 10 inch main water line makes a significant difference to the amount of water volume available from that of a hydrant that is supplied by a 4 inch water main. New hydrants equipped with Storz connections for the use of the department’s large diameter supply line also reduce time needed to establish a solid water supply for the fire scene. The large 5 inch supply line dramatically reduces friction loss within the supply line, greatly increasing the volume of water and water pressure at the fire scene. One 5 inch supply line can provide the same volume of water as six 2 ½ inch supply lines. This process of replacing hydrants with an emphasis on larger Storz connections and larger supply water mains in the water grid system greatly increases the department’s ability to provide an adequate water supply. 

The water supply grid system needs consideration as the City faces future improvements in infrastructure. The highway 40 project that will develop in the near future will give opportunity to improve the City’s water supply system in the downtown area. Much of this area is supplied by a single 4 inch line with ineffective water supply or the inability to replace lines or unserviceable hydrants because of an antiquated and inoperable valve system. Mayor Arthur addressed this problem in 2004 and recent studies completed by the City engineer Brian Pohlar, have identified areas of the City’s water distribution system that are in need of improvement. The City’s south west area is mostly supplied with 4 inch water mains limited needed water volume and water pressure for fire suppression operations. Using the NFA formula for water flow calculation, the average structure within this area can not be effectively extinguished with the available water supply once 45% of the structure is involved in fire. 

The overall water distribution system of water supply for the City needs a coordinated effort and plan of implementation. The ability of a water system to deliver an adequate quantity of water relies upon the carrying capacity of the system’s network of pipes. Replacement of deteriorating smaller water mains with larger water mains reduces friction loss within the water line. Efforts to insure infrastructure improvements are completed in a logical sequence will only benefit our City. A newly paved road will not remain so if the City must gain access to an antiquated water system for repairs. The majority of the City’s water mains are located directly under City streets.

The City’s water distribution system uses a combination of direct pumping and a gravity system from the elevated water tower. Testing completed in 2002 by the City demonstrated the value of the City’s elevated tower. Hydrants tested in locations within the City showed the importance of the water tower gravity system feeding the direct pumping distribution system and consequences if the water tower is removed from the system.  When the water tower was excluded from the system, a significant reduction in both water volume and pressure was evident. This significant reduction in water volume and pressure has a direct effect of the department’s ability in effective fire suppression. As the City addresses problems with the current condition of the water tower and the concerns identified with the Indian Department of Environmental Management (IDEM) the importance of the gravity supplied system should be stressed and the repercussions of its absence can not be ignored.

The department’s lead engine and computer with topical mapping program has the capabilities to give accurate measurements of hydrant locations and distances to the fire scene. The department has entered hydrant statistics to the program which includes gallons per minute, hydrant type and operation information. With assistance and information from Dick Vanatti, water supply line size information will be added to the mapping program. Water supply line information and residual testing completed in areas based on the available water supply will give the department an accurate availability of water supply for fire suppression.

Respectfully Submitted,

Chief Tobey D Archer

Brazil City Fire Department

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