Prior to conducting a fire flow test of a water distribution system, a responsible person from what department should be notified?

The water department or local water purveyor is the entity responsible for the operation, maintenance, and integrity of the public water distribution system. A fire flow test involves discharging a large volume of water, which can cause significant pressure drops, stir up sediment leading to discolored water for customers, and potentially damage aging infrastructure. Therefore, it is essential to notify and coordinate with the water department prior to the test. This allows them to monitor the system's performance, anticipate and manage customer complaints, and ensure the test does not conflict with scheduled maintenance or emergency operations.

A. Fire department: The fire department is typically the agency conducting or requesting the test, not the primary authority to be notified regarding the water system's operation.

B. Highway department: This department is responsible for roads and public ways, not the water mains located beneath them.

D. Health department: While concerned with water potability, the health department does not manage the daily physical operations of the water distribution system.

1. NFPA 291, Recommended Practice for Fire Flow Testing and Marking of Hydrants, 2022 Edition.

Section 4.1.2: "The water purveyor should be notified of the location and time of the proposed tests so that the purveyor can have a representative present to observe the testing and to operate the control valves."

2. DeHaan, J. D., & Icove, D. J. (2021). Kirk's Fire Investigation (9th ed.). Brady/Pearson.

Chapter 17, Fire Protection Systems, Section 17.2.2 Water Supply: The text emphasizes that evaluating a water supply system, including conducting flow tests, is done "in cooperation with the local water utility." This cooperation necessitates prior notification and coordination.