Water Systems
What are the 2 types of water systems used in water supply operations?
Municipal Water Systems and Static
How many directions should a fire hydrant be visible from?
A fire hydrant should be visible from EVERY direction.
What units of measurement is used to measure water flow versus water pressure?
- Water Flow is measured in Gallons Per Minute (GPM)
- Water Pressure is measured in Pounds Per Square Inch (PSI)
What is the minimum expectation as to how often a fire hydrant should be inspected?
At LEAST once a year
If using multiple portable drop tanks what can be used to keep water at max capacity in the tank closest to the pumper?
Jet Siphon
What type of valves are located at connection points underground which control the flow of water to homes & hydrants?
Shut-Off Valves
How many feet apart are hydrants present in residential areas versus in high-value commercial or industrial areas?
Fill in the blank:
As ____ water flows, there is ____ residual pressure in the system
more; less
As more water flows, there is less residual pressure in the system
What tool is used to calculate the volume of water that flows from a hydrant?
A Pitot Gauge OR An Electronic Flow Meter.
What are 4 different examples of static water sources?
Rivers, streams, lakes, ponds, oceans, canals, reservoirs, pools, and cisterns.
What 2 factors determine the size of a water main?
- The amount of water needed for normal consumption
- The amount of water needed for fire protection.
How many inches minimum above ground are hydrants installed?
Hydrants are installed at a minimum of 18 inches above ground.
What are 2 consequences that can result from water hammer?
The surge in pressure caused by suddenly stopping the flow of a stream of water can result in
When inspecting a hydrant to insure proper functioning what are 3 things that should be assessed?
What is the range of how many gallons tankers (aka water tenders) are able to typically hold?
Tankers typically carry about 1000 to 3500 gallons of water, but it can be up to 5000.
If 2 or more hydrants on the same dead-end main are used to fight a fire, will the hydrant upstream or downstream have more water & pressure?
The hydrant upstream will have more water & pressure than downstream hydrant.
What color is a Class AA hydrant, which flows 1500 GPM and higher?
Light Blue
How can the pump operator determine how many more attack lines or appliances can be operated from the available water supply?
At the scene of a fire, the pump operator uses the difference between static pressure and residual pressure to determine how many more attack lines or appliances can be operated from the available water supply.
Which NFPA standard covers the "Recommended Practice for Fire Flow Testing and Marking of Hydrants"
NFPA 291
Which NFPA standard covers the "Standard on Water Supplies for Suburban and Rural Fire Fighting"
NFPA 1142
What are the different levels of pipes present in an underground water distribution system?
Primary Feeders (Trunk Lines), Secondary Feeders (Branch Lines), Distributors
Dry-Barrel (Frostproof) Hydrants
- Used in climates where temps fall below freezing. Valve that controls the flow of water into the barrel of the hydrant. Water drains out through an opening at the bottom of the barrel when the hydrant valve is fully closed.
Wet-Barrel Hydrants
- Used in locations where temperatures do not drop below freezing. Always have water in the barrel and don’t have to be drained. Have separate valves that control the flow of water to each individual outlet
Dry Hydrants (AKA Drafting Hydrants)
- A fixed piping system with a strainer on one end, located below the water’s surface and away from any silt or potential obstructions, and a connection for a hard suction hose on the other end.
What are 3 factors that influence the amount of friction loss experienced?
Which NFPA standard covers the "Standard for the Installation of Private Fire Service Mains and Their Appurtenances"
What are the 3 factors that help determine the number of tankers needed for a water shuttle operation?
Number of tankers needed will depend on:
- The distance between the fill site to fire scene.
- The time it takes the tanker to dump and refill.
- The flow rate required at the fire scene.