Water Supply Planning #03 - Construction Site Water Supply
 
By President Mark Davis
April 16, 2020
 

Looking through some more photos from 10 years ago we came across these from a rather unique water supply operation at a large, highway construction site in Maryland. The purpose of the operation was dust control and ancillary water use on the site. The large elevated tank was kept full via a fire hydrant connection, a few hundred feet of fire hose, and an automatic shut-off valve. Two large water trucks hauled water as needed and reloaded at the elevated tank using a chain-operated valve. Absent the issue with freezing temperatures, such a design could be used in rural areas as long as some type of water supply exists (a well, a low-flow hydrant, etc).
 
Hyperlinks: Klein Products (one supplier)
 
Water Truck #1 - no dumps but some ground spray nozzles. Could be used on prairie/grassland fires.
Water Truck #1 - no dumps but some ground spray nozzles. Could be used on prairie/grassland fires.
The fill site is actually the most interesting part of this operation. It is designed for overhead filling of the water trucks.
The fill site is actually the most interesting part of this operation. It is designed for overhead filling of the water trucks.
 
We are not sure of the tank's capacity but believe it is 12,000 gallons.
We are not sure of the tank's capacity but believe it is 12,000 gallons.
Water Truck #1 - not sure of the size but looks to be in the 2500-3000 gallon range.
Water Truck #1 - not sure of the size but looks to be in the 2500-3000 gallon range.
 
Water Truck #2 - a more "over-the-road" type water hauler....probably the same size...2500-3000 gallons.
Water Truck #2 - a more "over-the-road" type water hauler....probably the same size...2500-3000 gallons.
Water Truck #2 - has a hydraulically driven PTO pump allowing pump and roll.
Water Truck #2 - has a hydraulically driven PTO pump allowing pump and roll.
 
Water Truck #2 - Has a deck gun...we figure some firemen had some imput on this.
Water Truck #2 - Has a deck gun...we figure some firemen had some imput on this.
The water source.
The water source.
 
Water Truck #2 - no dumps but none needed for this rig's work.
Water Truck #2 - no dumps but none needed for this rig's work.
Water Truck #2 - cam lock fitting used for filling.
Water Truck #2 - cam lock fitting used for filling.
 
Water Truck #2 - a pretty simple pump.
Water Truck #2 - a pretty simple pump.
The tank rests on a rigid frame system pinned in place and has a vinyl-like chute for dumping water.
The tank rests on a rigid frame system pinned in place and has a vinyl-like chute for dumping water.
 
A chain and sprocket assembly is used to open and close the BFV.
A chain and sprocket assembly is used to open and close the BFV.
To keep the tank full, a 3-inch hose is connected from a nearby fire hydrant to the tank and uses an automatic fill shut-off device.
To keep the tank full, a 3-inch hose is connected from a nearby fire hydrant to the tank and uses an automatic fill shut-off device.
 
A closer look at the valve.
A closer look at the valve.