AWWA ACE68743

This powerpoint presentation begins by providing a brief overview of fire flow (FF) analyses. Determining the capability of a distribution system to deliver FF is presented first, along with limitations of past approaches to FF analysis, defining needed fire flow (NFF) for broad areas, setting FF goals based on local considerations, setting a FF goal for each land use category at Madison, Wisconsin, determining FF capacity at Distribution System Nodes with an All-Pipes Model, and Nodal FF Capacity Values were converted to FF Capacity Contours using modeling software. Recently Improved Methods using Advanced GIS Techniques are presented: FF capacity was interpolated for many points between nodes; rasters were used rather than polygons; and, FF goal raster was subtracted from FF capacity raster. Presentation conclusions indicate the following: community interest is best served by completing a comprehensive FF analysis; broad-area FF goals can be established with ISO / local fire code guidance, local agencies / water utility coordination, and individual property FF goals remaining a case-by-case decision; and, thorough FF capacity evaluation can be achieved by experienced development and application of an All-Pipes Model and GIS tools that display the results; a comprehensive FF analysis provides an opportunity for local agencies and the water utility to collaboratively set FF policy; a comprehensive FF analysis provides broad-area capacity and deficiency maps that are valuable tools for planning current and future fire fighting methods and equipment, visualizing and evaluating strategic water system improvements that effectively and economically increase FF capacity, and grasping the broad-area view of deficiencies and improvement impacts for prioritizing CIP components. Includes tables, figures.