Got Big Water? A 2,400 gpm Tanker Shuttle in Killingworth, Connecticut

 
By President Mark Davis
April 8, 2013
 

On April 6th and 7th, the Valley Shore Mutual Aid Association hosted our 2-day Rural Water Supply Operations Seminar in Killingworth, Connecticut. The attendance at the seminar was our largest ever with over 150 participants both days. AND......the 2-hr tanker shuttle resulted in an average flow of 1600 gpm with a peak flow of 2,400 gpm - sustained - for the final 50 minutes of the drill.

The folks were awesome - the logistical support was awesome - and the water hauled, the MOST EVER at any of our programs! We have never broken the 1,500 gpm mark - let alone the 2,000 gpm mark!

A great job done by Paul Fazzino (President) and the officers of the VSMA Association!!! We also thank the vendors that provided support to the program. Kochek gave away an 8-inch Holley Tube, a Big Water Low Level Strainer, a barrel strainer, and a self-leveling strainer. Husky Tanks gave away - TWO - 2,100-gallon dump tanks! Wow!

We also were successful in purchasing a 15th brick in the National Fallen Fire Fighter's Walk-of-Honor Memorial through our t-shirt and hat raffle.

We will have a complete summary posted in a couple of weeks.
 
The final dump site set-up used eight dump tanks and two dump site pumpers.
The final dump site set-up used eight dump tanks and two dump site pumpers.
Water from the dump site was fed through 900-ft of dual, 5-inch supply lines to two, aerial towers. Old Lyme's water supply unit laid the first supply line.
Water from the dump site was fed through 900-ft of dual, 5-inch supply lines to two, aerial towers. Old Lyme's water supply unit laid the first supply line.
 
Every rig was very well-equipped to deliver and support a large water flow.
Every rig was very well-equipped to deliver and support a large water flow.
The dump site getting built. They are only at the 3rd dump tank in this photo.
The dump site getting built. They are only at the 3rd dump tank in this photo.
 
Old Lyme used dual suctions to help push 1300 gpm to the Old Saybrook aerial tower.
Old Lyme used dual suctions to help push 1300 gpm to the Old Saybrook aerial tower.
Four tanks now in operation.
Four tanks now in operation.
 
Old Saybrook's tower flowing 1300 gpm.
Old Saybrook's tower flowing 1300 gpm.
A Kochek 8-inch Holley Tube transferring water. (This is the one that was raffled and won by a FD).
A Kochek 8-inch Holley Tube transferring water. (This is the one that was raffled and won by a FD).
 
Fourteen tankers - of all shapes and sizes - were used to support the 2,400 gpm flow.
Fourteen tankers - of all shapes and sizes - were used to support the 2,400 gpm flow.
Dump tanks 5, 6, 7, and 8!
Dump tanks 5, 6, 7, and 8!
 
Dumpin' and transferin'
Dumpin' and transferin'
Westbrook's Mack Aerialscope flowing 1100 gpm at the 72 minute mark.
Westbrook's Mack Aerialscope flowing 1100 gpm at the 72 minute mark.
 
A "pony" suction is used as a third suction inlet to help Killingworth's pumper gain capacity.
A "pony" suction is used as a third suction inlet to help Killingworth's pumper gain capacity.
Plenty of water available.
Plenty of water available.