Fire Service Connections
Purpose
To supply water from the SFPUC’s distribution system to a building’s fire suppression system.
Who Must Comply?
All projects applying for a new dedicated fire service connection 2 inches in diameter or greater.
Fire service connections supply a building’s fire suppression system from the SFPUC water distribution system. To determine if the water distribution system has sufficient hydraulic capacity to support the new fire service connection, a hydraulic analysis of the water distribution system in the vicinity of the project will be performed. If existing water distribution system pressures and flow are inadequate, the Project Sponsor will be responsible for system improvements required to meet the project’s demands.
How do I comply?
To obtain a new fire service connection:
- Obtain a Fire Sprinkler Service-Meter & Supply Size Approval from San Francisco Fire Department (SFFD) Plan Check
- Apply in person for a new fire service connection at SFPUC Customer Service Bureau (CSB). SFFD approval will be sent to CSB on the Project Sponsor’s behalf. Fire services will require a backflow prevention assembly per SFPUC standards. Backflow prevention assemblies must be located within 25 feet of the point of connection.
- To initiate a hydraulic analysis, submit a completed Request for Hydraulic Analysis for Water Distribution System Capacity form in person at SFPUC CSB. Confirm the system’s flow and pressure requirements with the sprinkler system designer.
- Pay estimated installation fees.
Please visit the San Francisco Fire Department's website to review and complete the Fire Department Request for Water Flow Information Form.
Resources
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Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Hydraulic Analysis apply to my project?
Upon receipt of a request for new fire service application, CSB will determine if a hydraulic analysis is necessary. A hydraulic analysis is required for new fire service connections 2 inches in diameter or greater. Only Project Sponsors directed to request a hydraulic analysis are required to obtain one.
What happens once my Request for Hydraulic Analysis for Water Distribution System Capacity is submitted?
- City Distribution Division (CDD) will conduct the hydraulic analysis, and notify the Project Sponsor and CSB of the results. The notification will address the hydraulic capacity of the water distribution system and, if found to be inadequate, the scope and estimated cost of upgrades required to meet the desired flows. The Project Sponsor will be responsible for all costs associated with upgrading water distribution facilities to meet the project’s demand.
- If the hydraulic analysis determines the water distribution system is adequate, the Project Sponsor will receive a cost estimate for installation of the fire service connection.
- Hydraulic analysis results will be available approximately three weeks from the submission date.
The New Fire Service Application and Installation Process Flow Chart outlines the process to obtain a new fire service.
Planning Ahead - Preliminary Hydraulic Analysis
The SFPUC’s hydraulic analysis services are available to Project Sponsors during the design phase. For Project Sponsors who anticipate large fire sprinkler systems, it is strongly recommended that water demands are estimated early in the design process to budget for possible water distribution system upgrades.
To obtain a preliminary hydraulic analysis, email CDDengineering@sfwater.org with the following information for the proposed development:
- A Request for Water Flow Information form with the hydrant flow test results completed by SFFD Plan Check
- Location of the point of connection (street name and size of water main)
- Estimated sprinkler flow and pressure requirements at the service’s point of connection to the distribution main
- Estimated size (diameter in inches) of the proposed fire service lateral
What happens once my request for Preliminary Hydraulic Analysis is submitted?
CDD will conduct the preliminary hydraulic analysis, and notify the Project Sponsor of the results. The notification will address the hydraulic capacity of the water distribution system and, if found to be inadequate, the scope and estimated cost of upgrades required to meet the project’s demand.
Preliminary hydraulic analysis results will be available approximately three weeks from the submission date.
Need Help?
SFPUC Customer Service Bureau
customerservice@sfwater.org
525 Golden Gate Avenue, Second Floor
(415) 551-3000If you have specific questions about complying with the hydraulic analysis requirements, contact CDD at CDDEngineering@sfwater.org.
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