During our training seminar last month in Hays County, Texas we discovered this above-ground fire protection water storage tank at a large office/research complex. The 42,000-gallon tank was installed on the complex to help meet the fire protection water supply demands of the facility. With no municipal water system in the area, the tank is an important part of the fire protection plan for the facility. The 20-ft tall tank is outfitted with a 6-inch NST suction fitting and a large control valve. The plan is for a fire department pumper to position next to tank, take suction, and supply water to wherever needed in the complex. Should the tank's supply be exhausted, a large fire water storage pond is also on site and is outfitted with a dry fire hydrant for fire department use.

The 42,000-gallon tank is supplied by a traditional ground water well. The well cannot support fire flow demands; the well is used to keep the tank "topped off" during none-fire flow activity. The warm, regional climate supports the use of this above-ground tank. While used to support the needs of this office/research complex, this style of tank is a really great idea for those warm climate areas where surface water is unreliable.