FIRE SPRINKLER RESERVOIRS are holding tanks used to provide fire protection water for a sprinkler system that demands more water than the domestic water feed line serving the building can supply.

This is a common occurrence in older commercial areas where underground water lines are too small for modern fire flows. Similar conditions are encountered when a rural commercial building or school is being served by a domestic well with limited delivery volume. In cases such as these, water must be stored in a tank and available in sufficient quantity to satisfy the fire sprinkler pump demand.

Underground water storage tanks remain ice free, rarely propagate algae or bacteria, and are far less likely to be the target of vandalism or graffiti. Underground water supplies have minimal "visual Impact" and therefore maintain property values of nearby commercial or residential lots.

When a small equipment building is unsatisfactory from an architectural perspective, the pump can be installed below grade in a vault with zero visual impact after landscaping. Care must be taken to isolate the tank and piping from direct contact with the poured concrete walls. Either of the illustrated concept designs above can be modified as necessary to fit the specific requirements of the job. .

Always contact your Fire Chief and local building officials before moving ahead with a storage tank project involving fire sprinklers or hydrants. Improper tank size, location, or plumbing layout may reduce the effectiveness of the water supply, creating liability and compliance issues.

Darco manufactures both polyethylene OcTanks and fiberglass underground water tank systems for fire cisterns and fire sprinkler reservoirs.