7. Why do I need to install two water tanks for my residential project?
The
Primary tank holds the water necessary for domestic, irrigation, or industrial use, in addition to your fire sprinkler water supply. The
Secondary tank supplies water to the Wharf Hydrant for firefighting purposes. The double tank system was devised to avoid possible contamination of the domestic water supply from the tank of the fire engine, as required by the County Plumbing Code. We require the combination of domestic and fire sprinkler supply in one tank to provide a degree of reliability for the fire sprinkler system as people are most likely to ensure that fresh water is available for other necessary uses at all times. See Standards CFMO W1 & CFMO W5 for details by clicking on related link below.
13. Can I use my swimming pool or pond as my fire protection water supply?
No. Above-ground tanks have proven to provide the most reliable source of water for fire protection needs.
History has shown us that swimming pools are not a reliable source of water due to seasonal draining, cracks, repairs, etc. Ponds contain mud, silt and wildlife, which can seriously damage fire department equipment during drafting operations. Also, it is difficult to provide an instant supply of water at the hydrant due to the elevation differences between the water level of the pool or pond and the hydrant outlet. In addition, access to such water supply can be very difficult as pools are required to be fenced and secured, and ponds are usually located far from
approved access roads designed to support the weight of a fire engine.¹