One Stop Fire Products Fire Fighting Pumps For Your Farm, Camp or Cottage!

Water Sources

The Importance of Water

Water, Water, Water! In order to mount a proper defence against fire, there must be a ready supply of water. It must be of adequate volume such as a swimming pool, pond, stream, river or lake and located close to the area you wish to protect. Access must be somewhat free of barriers to allow the pump to be quickly put into place at the water's edge. If the water supply is within a quarter of a mile, it is a valuable fire protection asset.

• relatively clean
• easily accessible
• minimal land/water elevation difference
• obstacle-free path from source to area to protect
• water depth of 1 foot or more
• suitable area for pump close to water source
• storage area nearby for pump, hose, fuel, etc.

What If I Have No water?

Everybody has a supply of water -- but you may have to become creative to make it accessible for fire protection. The obvious sources are lakes, streams, ponds, pools, etc. -- but what if these are not readily available?

You may have to create a water reservoir by constructing a pond or swimming pool. Another option is to install a holding tank. All of these solutions will encounter additional expense as well as other logistical concerns. Here are some factors you will need to consider for use of a tank.

Capacity

How much water do I need? If the pump delivers water at 60 gpm, then you will need 600 gallons to give a 10 minute supply -- or 3600 gallons to provide water for 1 hour. For fire fighting purposes, the use of foam will lower the amount of water required for the same level of protection.

Location

Where will this reservoir be placed? Storage tanks are often installed in the basement of the building or buried near the structure. Above ground tanks are also common but freezing conditions must be considered. There are solutions such as insulating the tank or enclosing it in a protective structure. If your building is closed for the winter then the tank should be drained.

Water Source

How do I fill this tank? One solution is to use your normal household water source, such as a well. Most wells have the ability to supply that quantity of water but it may take several days to complete the task. It may also be possible to have a local water tanker do the initial fill and then use your well to maintain the tank level. Rainwater is another option. Capturing the water that falls on your roof can provide adequate quantities to fill your tank -- but it will take some time for the initial fill to be completed. Another possibility is to use your fire pump and fill your tank by pumping from a distant source. By borrowing additional hose, you could pump water from great distances since time and water pressure are not critical in this situation.

Other Notes

• Consider using 2 small tanks instead of 1 large tank. This will allow for maintenance on a tank without cutting off all water.
• Place tanks such that a leak would cause minimal harm.
• Integrate the tank with the household water system. This will constantly cycle the water and prevent it from becoming stale.
• Placing tank on higher ground or on a platform will assist in water pressure. This pressure will increase the performance of your pump.