The Importance of Annual Flowtesting
 
By President Mark Davis
November 28, 2014
 

The inspection and flowtesting of alternative water supply sources such as dry fire hydrants and underground tanks is critical to the success of a rural fire protection delivery program. During some recent work in New England we found a good example of why flowtesting is so important. The photos tell the story.
 
After obtaining a draft from the basin, some "crud" was found flowing out of the Hose Monster that was being used to measure flow.
After obtaining a draft from the basin, some "crud" was found flowing out of the Hose Monster that was being used to measure flow.
When flowing the pre-piped deck gun we found that some "aquatic growth materials" had made it to the nozzle screen.
When flowing the pre-piped deck gun we found that some "aquatic growth materials" had made it to the nozzle screen.
 
The operation was shut down because it was clear that "stuff" was making it through the suction strainer. At the external butterfly valve more of the "stuff" was found.
The operation was shut down because it was clear that "stuff" was making it through the suction strainer. At the external butterfly valve more of the "stuff" was found.
A closer look shows what appears to be a clump of aquatic grass like material.
A closer look shows what appears to be a clump of aquatic grass like material.
 
Quite a clump of "stuff" was removed from the suction inlet valve.
Quite a clump of "stuff" was removed from the suction inlet valve.
This drafting site clearly needs some maintenance - there is a build up of vegetation near the basin inlet and that will need to be cleared out.
This drafting site clearly needs some maintenance - there is a build up of vegetation near the basin inlet and that will need to be cleared out.
 
This suction point is set up as a drafting basin which is fed via a concrete culvert pipe that runs out to the pond shown in the background. When needed, the FD slides the concrete cover off of the manhole-style structure and drops their hard suction hose into the basin.
This suction point is set up as a drafting basin which is fed via a concrete culvert pipe that runs out to the pond shown in the background. When needed, the FD slides the concrete cover off of the manhole-style structure and drops their hard suction hose into the basin.