VI.VIII. Fire Protection Standards
1. Design Requirements.
The flow standards for public fire protection purposes set forth below are those the Commission considers appropriate for application on an average statewide basis.
A. Standards of Local Fire Protection Agency's Govern.
However, tThe Commission recognizes that there are widely varying conditions bearing on fire protection throughout the urban, suburban, and rural areas of California. Therefore, the standards prescribed by the local fire protection agency or other prevailing local governmental agency govern.
B. Application of the Utility's Main Extension Rule
Such local flow standards shall be provided whether greater or lesser than those set forth in this chapter. However, mains designed for and capable of providing flows in excess of the requirements opposite the classification of land use, as set forth in the fire flow table found in this section, shall be considered mains providing excess flow for the purpose of the application of the utility's main extension rule.
2.a. Initial Construction, Extension, or Modification
In the initial construction, extension, or modification of a water system, any one of which is required to serve (a) a new applicant or (b) a change in use, the facilities constructed, extended, or modified shall be designed to be capable of providing, for a sustained period of at least two hours, in addition to the requirements of the average daily demand within the area to be served, the minimum flow requirements set forth the length of time given in the fire flow table shown below opposite the classification of land use to be served, or such other fire flow, either higher or lower, as determined either necessary or adequate by appropriate local governmental agency. (The table is based on AWWA manual M-31.)
Land Use |
Minimum Flow |
1. Rural, residential with a lot density of two or less per acre primarily for recreational and / or part-time occupancy |
1,000 gpm |
2. Lot density of less than one single-family residential unit per acre |
1,000 gpm |
3. Lot density of one or two single-family residential units per acre |
1,000 gpm |
4. Lot density of three or more single-family residential units per acre, including mobile home parks |
1,000 gpm |
5. Duplex residential units, neighborhood business of one story |
1,500 gpm |
6. Multiple residential, one and two stories; light commercial or light industrial |
2,000 gpm |
7. Multiple residential, three stories or higher; heavy commercial or heavy industrial |
2,500 gpm |
Except as provided in Section VIII 1. (b) below, cost of facilities to meet the governing fire flow standards shall be advanced or contributed in accordance with the utility's tariffs by the party requesting such facilities, unless assumed by the fire protection agency under a signed written agreement.
(1) An existing main which is adequate to provide residential, commercial, or industrial service, but is not sized for the required fire flow, need not be modified for an additional service connection of the same land use classification when no main extension is involved, unless local authority determines that there is increased exposure of life and property to fire hazards.
(2) Modification of a main to meet requirements set forth under "Land Use" is required for a new land use requiring higher fire flow. No modification is required when existing apartments, receiving service, are converted to condominiums without change of use unless higher fire flows are required by a government agency.
3.(b) Replacement of Mains
A. The utility shall not be responsible for modifying or replacing at its expense an existing main, which is otherwise adequate, to provide increased fire flow.
B. However, when the utility initiates the replacement of an existing main, the replacement main, if used or useful for fire protection purposes, shall be constructed at the expense of the utility and be sized to accommodate the governing fire flow standard.
4.2. Flow Tests.
The flows set forth in paragraph 1 in the above table are to be calculated on the basis of a residual pressure of 20 p.s.i.g. in the distribution system under flowing conditions.
5.3. Fire Hydrants.
Fire hydrants shall be attached to the distribution system at the locations designated by the agency responsible for their use for fire fighting purposes. Any new mains to which a hydrant may be attached shall be not less than six inches in diameter.
4. Fire Hydrant Service Agreement.
The Commission encourages all water utilities to provide fire hydrant service by agreement between the utility and the fire protection agency responsible for the use of the hydrants. Each water utility is expected to make all reasonable efforts to make or renew agreements advantageous to the utility and its customers.
6. Fire Protection Service Agreement
A. In accordance with Public Utilities Code Section 2713, "No water corporation subject to the jurisdiction and control of the Commission...shall make any charge upon any entity providing fire protection service to others for furnishing water for such fire protection purposes or for any costs of operation, installation, capital, maintenance, repair, alteration, or replacement of facilities related to furnishing water for such fire protection purposes within the service area of such water corporation, except pursuant to a written agreement with such entity providing fire protection services."
B. The Commission therefore encourages all water utilities to form such agreements with entities providing fire protection services. Each water utility is expected to make all reasonable efforts to make or renew agreements advantageous to the utility and its customers.
C. When such written agreement is entered into between the utility and the fire protection agency which requires the utility to be responsible for all or any portion of the capital expenditures or maintenance costs associated with providing fire hydrant protection service, such expenditures and costs may be included by the utility in its general plant accounts and operating expenses for ratemaking purposes.
D. The utility may bill the fire protection agency for fire hydrant protection service charges only under written agreement with the agency that it will pay such charges. Fire hydrant protection charges made under written agreement will also be included in revenues for ratemaking purposes.
E. In the absence of any written agreement between the utility and the fire protection agency, the utility will be responsible for maintaining fire hydrant protection service to the extent of its means. All cost associated with providing this service may be included for ratemaking purposes.
F. Fire hydrant protection service agreements between the fire protection agency and the utility which deviate materially from a standard fire hydrant service agreement on file in the utility's tariffs shall be submitted by advice letter in accordance with General Order 96-A.
