Tell Me the Available Fire Flow for Every Pipe in the System: Integration of Model Calibration, Infrastructure Planning, and Operation

The ability of a water distribution system to deliver sufficient fire flow is gaining greater attention as Peel Region is trying to maintain sustainable growth in the system. As requested by the fire department, Peel needs to color code every hydrant in the system in accordance with standard NFPA 291. The color coding of about 30,000 hydrants based on maximum allowable water supply would be an extremely challenging undertaking for the Region so it has decided to leverage its hydraulic model to help identify the system's capability in delivering fire flow for all hydrants. With the calibrated model, the maximum available fire flow while maintaining a minimum system pressure of 20 psi can be estimated for every pipe. The results were reviewed with the Region's operation staff to confirm the results accuracy and identify any potential system deficiencies, data gaps and water replacement requirements for the Region. From our presentation, the attendees will learn the following importance of aspects of the fire flow analysis. (1) System upgrades to improve system redundancy and water system security. (2) Reprioritization of the "state of good repair."(3) An effective way to physically color code 30,000 hydrants in the system.