BCAB 1894 - Source of water supply for NFPA 13 sprinkler requirements

Source of water supply for NFPA 13 sprinkler requirements

Project description

The proposed project is a three storey hotel/residential building built under Article 3.2.2.50. of the BC Building Code which requires the building to be sprinklered throughout. The building does not have a standpipe system. The project requires 113.6 m3 of stored available water for the sprinkler system as specified by
NFPA 13 Standard for Installation of Sprinkler Systems. The project has a water reservoir of 155 m3 filled with well water. It is proposed the additional water supply for the required external hose streams required by the NFPA 13 Standard for Installation of Sprinkler Systems, be provided for by sourcing adjacent sea water with a pump/storage system.

Applicable Code requirements (BCBC 2018)

3.2.5.7. Water Supply

1) Every building shall be provided with an adequate water supply for firefighting. (See Note A-3.2.5.7.(1).)
2) Buildings that are sprinklered throughout with a sprinkler system conforming to Article 3.2.5.12. or have a standpipe system conforming to Article 3.2.5.8. to 3.2.5.10. are deemed to comply with Sentence (1).

3.2.5.12. Automatic Sprinkler Systems

1) Except as permitted by Sentences (2), (3) and (4), an automatic sprinkler system shall be designed, constructed, installed and tested in conformance with NFPA 13, “Installation of Sprinkler Systems.” (See Note A-3.2.5.12.(1).)

Decision being appealed (Local authority’s position)

The local authority has determined that sea water is not an acceptable source of water supply required by NFPA 13 Standard for Installation of Sprinkler Systems, including that for required external hose stream demands.

Appellant's position

The appellant considers the Building Code’s explanatory material in A-3.2.5.7.(1) permits a natural source from a bay to be an acceptable source of water for firefighting. The concerns of corrosion of components from sea water can be mitigated by flushing the sprinkler system with potable water after being exposed to sea water. Further the appellant considers the use of sea water is permitted by NFPA13 Standard for Installation of Sprinkler Systems.

Appeal Board decision #1894

It is the determination of the Board that the use of sea water as the water supply required for firefighting in Sentence 3.2.5.7.(2). is acceptable.

Reason for decision

Chapter 24, 24.1.5.2 of NFPA13-2013 includes provisions where corrosive water such as sea water may be introduced into the sprinkler system.

Lyle Kuhnert
Chair, Building Code Appeal Board