Water Supply Planning 02 - The Importance of Inspection
By President Mark Davis
December 14, 2017
A key element of any, Alternative Water Supply Program is the inspection, maintenance, and flow testing of dry fire hydrant installations. Recommended practice regarding inspection is found in NFPA 1142. At a minimum, dry fire hydrants should be inspected on a quarterly basis and maintained as needed to keep them in good operating condition. So what does this inspection include? We recommend at a minimum that quarterly inspections include a visual check for damage to the piping and suction head, a visual check for adequate access to the suction connection, and a visual check of the water supply ensuring sufficient quantity and quality. The bottom line is that you cannot just install a dry fire hydrant system and then forget about it. Inspection, maintenance, and flow testing are three critical needs of a complete, Alternative Water Supply Program.
The photos shown with this News Story provide an excellent example of why site inspection is so important. The FD was not notified of a problem but one certainly was found during inspection!
All dry fire hydrants should be inspected on a quarterly basis to ensure readiness for use.
Something has happened to the level of impounded water in this pond.
Is the property owner draining the pond? Has the source been diverted? Have critters compromised the retaining berm? Has the outflow system degraded? Many questions needed answered.