Photo Gallery E4:  Fire Water Storage

Fire water reserve storage is common to most larger high rise properties.  Many are in the form of large round pressurized vessels while others are square and rectangular gravity tanks.  Smallest properties may be served sufficiently by city pressure, with many increasing that pressure and flow through fire booster pumps.

For many large domestic water storage tanks, the lower portion of the entire tank is typically reserved for fire protection only; the domestic water lines taking-off from a higher level.  When shared with domestic water service, oxygen levels are substantially higher due to the constant introduction of fresh water – thereby driving a higher level of corrosion activity to the entire tank and all associated piping.  Conversely, where the tanks are dedicated for fire service only and have a minimal exchange of water, oxygen levels are lower and far less corrosion should exist.

Pressurized fire reserve tanks are commonly installed in order to provide adequate water pressure to a building’s top floors where gravity flow is insufficient.  With their make-up and outlet typically at the front, water entering the tank short circuits without circulating throughout the entire tank, and therefore corrosion activity is often higher in this area.  As for all fire pipe, the more water flowing through the tank, the higher the level of corrosion.  Any associated pipe from a dedicated fire water storage tank will often show lower corrosion activity for the same reason.