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

2. 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 P Table P (9)
2010 ed. CRC Section R 313.3
NFPA 13D 2010 ed.

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

4. 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!

5. Connection to City Main
Preferred Arrangement
Acceptable Arrangement

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

7. 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)

8. 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)

9. 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)

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

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

12. 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!

13. 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

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

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

17. 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

19. 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

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

22. Backflow Does the CPC required it? UPC 603

23. California Plumbing Code Class (1) Fire Protection System
CPC 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
(a), which is being cited for reference. California Health and Safety Code
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.

24. 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)

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

29. Question: Is it the intent of Section R313. 3. 5
Question: Is it the intent of Section R 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 R
CRC Section R 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 , which contains the “general” requirements for providing backflow protection for residential sprinkler systems.

30. Explanation
CRC Section 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 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.

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

32. 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?

33. 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

34. 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

35. 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.

36. 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

37. 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.

38. Why an Issue?

39. Uncontrolled - not good

40. Controlled - but enough?

41. Hmmmm - not good

42. 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.

43. 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

44. 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.

45. 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)

46. 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

47. 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.

48. 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

49. 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
4. In person (leave a note and file a copy)

50. 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.

51. 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.

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

53. 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

54. 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).

55. 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.

56. 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.

57. 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.

58. 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.

59. 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.

60. 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

61. Pressure Gauge & Diffuser with De-chlorination Bag

62. 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.

63. 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

65. 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.

66. 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.

67. 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.

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

69. Organize Flow Path
Protecting slick area

70. 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.

71. 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

72. 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.

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

74. Grate Placed Over Bag

75. Grate With Bag Plugging Curb

76. Trimming Bag to Suit

77. Finished Sediment Bag

78. Adding Wattles

79. Or Filter + Wattles = Good

80. Drainage Swale Dam

81. 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

82. 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.

83. 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!

84. Chlorine Test Kit

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

86. 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

87. 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.

88. Clean–up (Controls in Place)

89. Clean and Remove Equipment

90. 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

91. Thank you
Bruce Lecair, NFSA Southwest Regional Manager