Water and Fire Protection Issues Bruce Lecair Southwest Regional Manager, National Fire Sprinkler Association

California Residential Code (Title 24, Part 2.5) Adopted into regulation on January 1, 2011, Currently in the 2013 California Residential Code Based on the 2012 ed. California Residential Code (CRC) ICC-IRC, 2000 ed., 2003 ed., 2006 ed., & 2009 ed. 2010 CRC based on 2009 IRC State Housing Law (Title 25) Original California Residential Code, Section R313 2009 ed. IRC Section P2904 - Table P2904.3.6.2(9) 2010 ed. CRC Section R 313.3 NFPA 13D 2010 ed.

Primary Sprinkler System Components Water supply Meters and valves Piping Sprinklers Alarm (when required by AHJ) 2

Installing the Residential Fire Sprinkler System The system may be installed by a licensed contractor or an owner-builder per the CA. State Contractor License Board. BUT…They can’t do it without H2O!

Connection to City Main Preferred Arrangement Acceptable Arrangement

Water Supply Options Street Main (probably the most common) Domestic Water Line Section 6.2(1) (07) Section 6.2(1) (02) 3

Preferable Arrangement City Water Main City Gate Valve Main Control Valve To Domestic System Water Meter Domestic Shut Off Pressure Gauge Rubber Faced Check Valve Waterflow Detector Drain and Test Connection To Automatic Sprinkler System Note: Rubber Faced Check Valves are Optional NFPA 13D Figure A.6.2(a) (07) NFPA 13D Figure A.6.2(a) (02)

Acceptable Arrangement with Valve Supervision (option 1) Rubber Faced Check Valve Note: Rubber Faced Check Valves are Optional City Gate Valve City Water Main Sprinkler Control Valve Pressure Gauge Water Flow Detector To Automatic Sprinkler system Drain and Test Connection Water Meter Domestic Shutoff To Domestic System NFPA 13D Figure A.6.2(b) (07) NFPA 13D Figure A.6.2(b) (02)

Acceptable Arrangement with Valve Supervision City Water Main City Gate Valve Water Meter Main Control Valve To Domestic System Domestic Shutoff Valve Pressure Gauge Sprinkler Control Valve Waterflow Detector To Automatic Sprinkler system Drain and Test Connection Rubber faced Check Valve NFPA 13D Figure A.6.2(c) (07) NFPA 13D Figure A.6.2(c) (02)

Meter size and friction loss = $ Keep the domestic and the fire sprinkler separate when possible per NFPA13D

Meters Neptune T-10 Meets or exceeds AWWA C-700

Piping Configurations How we design can affect the costs to homebuyers Stand alone Tree Systems (straight run) Looped Systems Gridded Systems Multipurpose Piping System Passive Purge Mist Systems and Coming soon!

Stand alone Tree Looped Independent fire sprinkler and plumbing water distribution systems Tree Looped Frequently provides improved hydraulic performance Separation of fire and plumbing systems can occur at different points in piping

Tree System (straight run) Riser Branch Lines Cross Main Check Valve Control Sprinklers Tree System (straight run)

Looped System Sprinklers Branch Lines Cross Main Control Riser Valve Check Valve Looped System

Multi-purpose A water distribution system that satisfies fire sprinkler and plumbing needs. Almost always connected to supply piping from a single tap Full integration of fire/plumbing Partial integration of fire/plumbing Plumbing demand in large homes may be greater than sprinkler system demand requirements

Passive Purge Sprinkler system piping that connects to a single, commonly used plumbing fixture. Almost always connected to supply piping from a single tap Tree system Looped/Gridded system Commonly used in lieu of backflow

Is it required and if so, when??? Backflow!!!! Is it required and if so, when???

Backflow Does the CPC required it? UPC 603

California Plumbing Code Class (1) Fire Protection System CPC 603.4.16 Protection from Fire Systems. Note: Fire Protection Systems has not been adopted by the State Fire Marshal. This section cannot be adopted or enforced pursuant to California Health and Safety Code 13114.7 (a), which is being cited for reference. California Health and Safety Code 13114.7 For the purposes of this section the following are definitions of class I and class II systems: (1) American Water Works Association (A.W.W.A) Manual No. M-14 class I – Automatic fire sprinkler systems with direct connection from public water mains only; no pumps, tanks, or reservoirs; no physical connection from other water supplies; no antifreeze or additives of any kind; and all sprinkler drains discharging to the atmosphere or other safe outlets.

Continued CPC 603.4.16 Protection from Fire Systems. (2) American Water Works Association (A.W.W.A.) Manual No. M-14 class 2 – Automatic fire sprinkler systems which are the same as class I, except that booster pumps may be installed in connections from the street mains. (b) Automatic fire sprinkler systems described in subdivision (a) shall not be required any backflow protection equipment at the service connection other than required by standards for those systems contained in the publication of the National Fire Protection Association entitled “Installation of Sprinkler Systems” (NFPA Pamphlet No. 13, 1980 edition)

Code Interpretation Date Issued December 30, 2013 California State Fire Marshal Code Interpretation Date Issued December 30, 2013 Interpretation 13-001 Topic Backflow requirements for Residential Fire Sprinkler Systems under the 2013 California Residential Code Code Section(s) 2013 California Residential Code R313.3..5.3 Requested by National Fire Sprinkler Association (NFSA) Bruce Lecair, Regional Manager Date Received December 16, 2013

Question: Is it the intent of Section R313. 3. 5 Question: Is it the intent of Section R313.3.5.3 of the 2013 California Residential Code (CRC) to require backflow protection to separate a stand-alone residential fire sprinkler system from a potable water source supplying the system? Answer: The answer to this question is dependent on the specific installation. Stand-alone residential sprinkler systems that 1) Use piping materials that are suitable for potable water, 2) Do not contain antifreeze, and 3) Do not have a fire department connection, are excluded from any backflow protection requirements under CRC Section R313.3.1. CRC Section R313.3.1 is a “specific” code provision that applies to residential sprinkler systems meeting these criteria. Any stand-alone residential sprinkler system that does not meet the three criteria must be provided with backflow protection in accordance with CRC Section 313.3.5.3, which contains the “general” requirements for providing backflow protection for residential sprinkler systems.

Explanation CRC Section 1.1.7 indicates that, where a conflict exists between code sections, specific provisions prevail over general provisions, even if the specific provision is less restrictive. For reference, CRC 1.1.7 assigns the following as the general order of precedence and use of the California Residential Code (Item 2 applies in this case): 1. Differences. In the event of any differences between these building standards and the standard reference documents, the text of these building standards shall govern. 2. Specific provisions. Where a specific provision varies from a general provision, the specific provision shall apply. 3. Conflicts. When the requirements of this code conflict with the requirements of any other part of the California Building Standards Code, Title 24, the most restrictive requirements shall prevail.

Background This is consistent with California Health and Safety Code Section 13113.7 Also reprinted in Section 603.5.15 of the California Plumbing Code Which does not require backflow for residential fire sprinkler systems meeting the requirements listed in CRC 313.3.1

Lets talk about Water Discharge for Water-based Fire Protection Systems Almost all of our Fire Protection Systems use water Everyone uses water Water is regulated!!! Who knew?

WATER-BASED FIRE PROTECTION SYSTEMS DISCHARGE BEST MANAGEMENT PRACTICES MANUAL California State Fire Marshal In cooperation with CA. Division of Water Quality Storm Water Section September 2011 Bruce Lecair, NFSA Regional Manager http://osfm.fire.ca.gov/strucfireengineer/pdf/aes/waterdischargemanual.pdf

Overview In response to a request for action by the Fire Sprinkler Industry (NFSA) in California, the State Fire Marshal convened a Water Discharge for Fire Protection Task Force. Office of the State Fire Marshal Automatic Extinguishing Systems Advisory Committee Task Force was established with representatives from various agencies and industry practitioners

Acknowledgement This Best Management Practices (BMP) Manual was developed through the accumulation of research, analysis, and collaborative efforts of the many disciplines via a Special Task Force for the California Office of the State Fire Marshal Water Discharge for Fire Protection. Verbally name the disciplines: ITM contractors, water purveyors, fire agencies, OSFM, NFSA, and cities north and south.

Scope and Purpose Provide a set of Best Management Practices (BMP’S), which specifically provided a common set of tools for the proper processing of water discharged from a water-based fire protection system discharges in California Dischargers are however encouraged to contact the municipal separate storm sewer system (MS4) operator to discuss any specific discharge requirements and reporting

Why Important? Requirements of the 1972 Federal Clean Water Act. Environmental stewardship – balance approach to environment and life safety system maintenance. Industry need for a consistent set of tool box methods. Keeps Inspection Maintenance and Testing (ITM) costs reasonable and predictable. Eliminates or reduces regulatory conflicts. Potentially streamlines regulator cost burden.

Why an Issue?

Uncontrolled - not good

Controlled - but enough?

Hmmmm - not good

Permits The Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) General or Regional Permit requires dischargers to minimize sediments and other debris entering storm drain system. Failure to follow appropriate procedures can result in adverse impacts to the environment including aquatic animals and plants, obstruction of storm control facilities, flooding, legal liability.

Who cares? Water purveyors --- the consistency issue Regulatory community – RWQCB and MS4 operators Fish & other aquatic species Habitat People who use creeks and look at gutters and drainage ways ITM contractors and building owners Fire agency officials Water purveyors --- the consistency issue

What the BMP Manual can do for you? Fit your needs --- Prepared by interest based practitioners (in California) to balance generic issues and concerns. Avoid fines/conflicts where accepted by the regulator. Provides MS4 Safe Harbor if approved & followed. Provides training syllabus. Provides good education and direction – easy to read and use. Review Why Important? above.

California Participants - Dischargers of water Water-based fire protection acceptance testing Underground – Type A, C-16, C-34 and C-36 only Above Ground – C-16 only OSFM “A” license concern Fire departments Water Flow – C-10 (limited to water flow only) MS4 Operators (city, county, districts, road department) SWRCB & RWQCBs (NPDES permits)

Types of Discharge Covered in the Manual Water-based fire protection system acceptance testing Periodic water-based fire protection system testing and maintenance Fire hydrant testing Water-based fire protection system leaks and emergency repairs

Notification and Record Keeping Manual covers discharges to the municipal storm sewer system and open channels. Does not cover discharges into the sanitary sewer system. When using this manual, “a discharge” is water that comes from a single event or a series of directly related events on a single project.

Notification and Record Keeping A single discharge of less than 1,500 gallons Discharger does not need to give prior notification A single discharge equal to or greater than 1,500 gallons but less than 10,000 gallons Discharger does not need to give prior notification for any single discharge, but needs to maintain records of the discharge A single discharge equal to or greater than 10,000 gallons Discharger needs to give prior notification and maintain records of the discharge

Prior Notification Dischargers should notify the MS4 agency/ operator not less than 24 hours prior to any planned discharge and as soon as possible after any emergency discharge. The method of notification must be by one of the four options: 1. Telephone call (file a record) 2. A fax transmission 3. An email 4. In person (leave a note and file a copy)

WATER DISCHARGE SUMMARY FIRE SPRINKLER WATER DISCHARGE SUMMARY Event Total Gallons Notification MS4 De-Chlorination Sediment and Debris Control Within Piping System Exterior Surface Chemical Testing Record Keeping ≤ 1,500 Not Required ** *** > 1,500 ≤ 10,000 * Required > 10,000 Speaker: Point is to show that there is an easy reference summary table in the manual NOT to specifically read all this. Also note the *** item for chemical additives where additional testing and handling is noted. * Required if discharge is to enter storm drain system and water is fresh. ** Required if debris exists and together with discharge will enter storm drain system. *** Required if it has been determined that chemical additives are within piping system.

Record Keeping Records should be kept utilizing the sample form provided in manual Appendix C (next slide). Records of discharges should be retained for a minimum of five years. Records must be available for review by the MS4 agency/operator and/or RWQCB.

Speaker: simply show this form and then after 5 seconds go on to next slide where it is bulleted in easier to read form.

Information Required for Discharges >1,500 gallons Duration Flow rate Total number of gallons discharged Type of de-chlorination “chemicals” used Concentration of chlorine measured Type of sediment controls used Name of discharger Date of notification Method of notification Location of discharge Date of the discharge Time of beginning and end of discharge 53

Flow and Volume Determination Dischargers need to determine the flow and volume of the discharge. Flow is determined by one of the following methods. - Attaching a flow meter to the discharge opening and reading the displayed values. Measuring the pressure from a pressure gauge and then using the table or formulas in Appendix B. Bucket & stopwatch method – small flows . Volume is determined by multiplying the flow (e.g., gallons/minute) by the duration of the discharge (minutes).

Water Discharge Mitigation Conduct flows for the shortest duration possible. Ensure the water is not cloudy, discolored and/or has no unusual odor. Ensure water flows will be free of potential chemical additives, contaminants such as oil, contaminated soils, etc. If it is determined that chemicals have been added to the fire protection system, additional actions must be taken. Whenever possible and when safe to do, contain flows onsite by directing the water to landscaped or green areas.

Discharge Mitigation (continued) Water flow trajectory will not impact nearby vehicles, equipment, or pedestrian traffic. Ensure curbs or ditches are adequate to handle the flow. Drain inlets are open and free of debris. Remove all debris from road, curb, and gutter. If chlorine residual is detected, use de-chlorination tablets. WRK deleted “sensitive” areas as basically all areas are. The manual is clear so no need here.

Discharge Mitigations (continued) Water flows into intended drain inlets. Ensure water does not cause erosion. Flowing water will not cause flooding or damage to adjacent properties. Water flow does not create slick or unsafe conditions. With permission of the local sanitary sewer agency, system discharge may be to wastewater sewer if no other options available.

Water Testing Where cloudiness, discoloration and odors occur, prior testing by an accredited laboratory may be required. Turbid water due to rust and musty stagnation would be subject to application of the BMP. Upon completion of the water testing, submit results to the MS4 agency/operator. If chemicals are to be reintroduced into a system, provide proper signage.

De-chlorination The MS4 General/Regional NPDES Permit requires all waters discharged must be de-chlorinated before entering a storm drain pipes or channel. Methods of de-chlorination include aeration and/or other appropriate means such as infiltration to the ground or bags, diffusers, and sediment traps in drop inlets where de-chlorination chemical can be applied and is controllable.

De-chlorination Equipment Chlorine Residual Test Kits Test Strips Color Wheels Electronic Colorimeters Pitot Tube Pressure gage Flow Meter (optional) Bag – Consisting of a mesh bag into which large tablets of dry chemical are placed. Diffuser De-chlorination chemicals - Sodium Sulfite - Sodium Bisulfate - Sodium Thiosulfate - Ascorbic Acid

Pressure Gauge & Diffuser with De-chlorination Bag

Sediment Control The MS4 General/Regional NPDES Permit requires all dischargers to minimize sediments and other debris entering a storm drain. Failure to follow this procedure could result in adverse impacts to aquatic animals, obstruction of flood control facilities, flooding, and legal liability.

Sediment Control Equipment There are a wide variety of equipment that may be used for sediment control and clean-up (Appendix D). Wattles Sand Bags Gravel bags Mats Booms Barricades Silt Fencing Hay Bales Hoses Filters Debris Storage Brooms Shovels Rakes Vacuum Truck or Wet/Dry Vacuum

Determine Flow Path Inspect the flow path to ensure the flow path is clear and unobstructed allowing water to flow to the storm drain. Consider the following: The maximum flow rate that will not cause erosion or scouring of any exposed ground in the flow path. The flow path must offer adequate capacity. There must be nothing in the path that would interfere with the de-chlorination process or hinder the analysis of the chlorine level.

Determine Flow Path (continued) Evaluate and determine the appropriate BMP. Isolate the riser or control valve prior to draining. Evaluate the release volume and character. Compare with the release point and conveyance.

Coordination with MS4 Before the drain event, check to be sure the fire protection system discharge does not interfere with or delay storm sewer repairs or corrective actions undertaken by the MS4 agency/operator. Example: MS4 is repairing a downstream culvert or is removing sediment & expecting dry weather. ITM event would need to be rescheduled.

Wattle line to end point Organize Flow Path Wattle line to end point

Organize Flow Path Protecting slick area

Discharge Alignment Alignment of the discharge point can have important implications. Whether the discharge point is diffuser, hose, or a pipe, it must be placed in such a way that it does not undercut pavement or erode soils. The force with which the water is hitting the surface should be minimized by adjusting the flow.

Typical Procedure Place gravel or sand filled bags to form dams across the flow path and curb with the end of the dam curving slightly upstream. Consider dam height, length, the number of bags used. The interval between dams will vary depending upon site conditions and the resources available. 71

Drain Inlet Procedure Evaluate and determine appropriate BMP. Place bags to protect drain inlet. Protection should be installed around all affected drain inlets. Several bags may need to be stacked on top of each other to produce the desired protection. Remove grate from drain inlet and ensure that it is clear and clean of debris. Place filter bag insert so that edges are secured when grate is replaced. Periodically inspect and adjust bags.

Remove Grate and Place Bag Sediment Bag (filter) Remove Grate and Place Bag

Grate Placed Over Bag

Grate With Bag Plugging Curb

Trimming Bag to Suit

Finished Sediment Bag

Adding Wattles

Or Filter + Wattles = Good

Drainage Swale Dam

Discharge Procedures Record the time of the beginning of the discharge. Begin the flow slowly, increasing flow gradually so as not to damage any equipment or property. Inspect the discharge path as the flow increases. Make sure that no scouring, erosion, or undercutting of pavement is occurring. When needed: - Reduce the flow rate of the discharge - Adjust the angle of the discharge - Stop discharge altogether

Prepare the Flow Path for Discharge Remove materials that may obstruct or divert discharge flow from the discharge point to the entrance. Also remove any materials that may interfere with the de-chlorination process or clog the sediment control equipment.

Prepare the De-chlorination Place the de-chlorination control equipment between the point of release and the entry to the storm drain. Add the de-chlorination chemical to the equipment. Measure the chlorine concentration at a point prior to storm drain inlet ---- it should be….. Non-detect!

Chlorine Test Kit

Diffuser in Action Without diffuser, high velocity flow would cross street and cause potential damage to property

If Chlorine Residual is Present Take steps to eliminate chlorine to non-detect, including: Control the flow discharge to match the equipment Add more chemical to the vessel as needed Reduce flow (slowly) – allows longer chemical contact time 86

Discharge Completion When the discharge is complete, allow any water that is ponded behind the dams to drain When the discharge complete, record the time and volume discharged Clean the flow path and upstream dams to remove residual sediment from the street Retrieve all control equipment and remove temporary drain inlet sediment bag(s), wattles, etc.

Clean–up (Controls in Place)

Clean and Remove Equipment

The Discharge of Water is a Privilege and not a Right Follow the BMP manual in cooperation with the MS4 or the AHJ, record and keep records, and report as necessary and the job should go well…. ------- and the environmental should be protected! Or at least that’s the idea.  90

Thank you Bruce Lecair, NFSA Southwest Regional Manager