Water System Requirements for Modern Fire Protection

The increasing adoption of residential fire sprinkler systems and the need for reliable firefighting water supply are straining aging infrastructure in many communities. Understanding the complex relationship between public water systems and fire protection requirements is essential for property owners, developers, and community planners as we work to enhance fire protection in high-risk areas. The following is a summary of typical guidelines for private water systems. In high-risk areas, especially those with limited access or deficient community or municipal systems, additional capacity may be necessary.

Private Water Systems

TYPICAL RECOMMENDED Storage Requirements

Residential needs:
- Sprinkler reserve: 5,000-10,000 gallons
- Firefighting reserve: 10,000-20,000 gallons
- Domestic reserve: 2,000-5,000 gallons
Implementation options and potential costs:
- Underground tanks: $15-20 per gallon
- Above-ground tanks: $10-15 per gallon
- Site integration: $25,000-50,000

Pumping Systems

System components and potential costs:
- Primary pump: $15,000-25,000
- Backup pump: $10,000-15,000
- Control system: $5,000-10,000
Power requirements:
- Main power: 240V, 30-50 amp (cost varies)
- Backup generator: 20-30 kW (cost varies)
- Transfer switch: $2,500-5,000

In Part 13, we will discuss considerations for building fire-resistant storage for irreplaceable items.