Water supplies for firefighting
Recommended minimum flow rates and location of fire hydrants
The Local Government Association (LGA) / water UK national guidance details the following flow rates as the minimum necessary for firefighting, in particular, risk categories where new developments are under construction.
A main size of minimum 90mm in diameter should achieve eight litres per second (8L/sec). Developers are advised to inform water undertakers at the earliest opportunity that hydrants will be required in order that the mains design is adequate to support hydrants. 63mm mains will not be accepted by Warwickshire fire and rescue service (WFRS) for hydrant installation.
Housing
Minimum of 8L/sec or 480 litres per minute (480L/min) for detached or semi-detached of not more than two floors up to 35L/sec (2100L/min) for units of more than two floors, from any single hydrant on the development. WFRS advises that no house on a development should be further than 120m from a hydrant.
Transportation
Minimum of 25L/sec (1500L/min) for lorry/coach parks, multi-storey car parks and service stations from any hydrant on the development or within a vehicular distance of 90m from the complex. Industry (industrial estates)
Industry (industrial estates)
It is recommended that the water supply infrastructure should provide as follows with the mains network on site normally being at least 150mm nominal diameter:
- up to one hectare minimum of 20L/sec (1200L/min)
- one to two hectares minimum of 35L/sec (2100L/min)
- two to three hectares minimum of 50L/sec (3000L/min)
- over three hectares minimum of 75L/sec (4500L/min)
Note: High-risk areas may require greater flow rates.
Shopping, offices, recreation and tourism
Minimum of 20L/sec (1200L/min) to 75L/sec (4500L/min) depending on the nature and extent of the development.
Education, health and community facilities
Minimum of 15L/sec (900L/min) through any single hydrant on the development or within a vehicular distance of 100m from the complex.
Primary schools and single storey health centres
Minimum of 20L/sec (1200L/min) through any single hydrant on the development or within a vehicular distance of 70m of the complex.
Secondary schools, colleges, large health centres and community facilities
Minimum of 35L/sec (2100L/min) through any single hydrant on the development or within a vehicular distance of 70m from the complex.
Building size
It is important to note that the current building regulations require an adequate water supply for firefighting. If any building has a compartment of 280m squared or more in an area and there is no existing fire hydrant within 100m, a reasonable water supply must be available.
Failure to comply with this requirement may prevent the individual from obtaining a final certificate.
Where no piped water supply is available, or there is insufficient pressure and flow in the water main, or an alternative arrangement is proposed, the alternative water supply can be one of the following:
- a spring, river, pond or canal which is capable of storing or providing at least 45,000L of water at all times of the year
- a charged static tank of at least 45,000L capacity
With both of the above options, suitable access, space and hard standing for a pumping appliance must be provided as specified in tables one and two.
Further information on compliance with these requirements may be sought from the water supplies planning officer at Warwickshire Fire and Rescue Service.