Study of Municipal Water Supply Systems

This cooperative agreement between the USFA and the Society of Fire Protection Engineers (SFPE) Educational & Scientific Foundation will study and evaluate the latest trends and technologies related to municipal water supply systems to enhance effective fire protection.

This study is supported by the Department of Homeland Security's Science and Technology Directorate.

The issues of interoperability and critical infrastructure protection, both key areas of interest within the Department of Homeland Security, would be incorporated into this initiative. The issue of backup and redundant water supply systems for fire protection will also be examined.

The results of this project would be developed into a comprehensive technical document that will also provide quantitative measurement of the potential impact this effort had on local-level fire protection.

The findings of this study could also be provided to the relevant fire service standards setting committees such as those of the National Fire Protection Association, the American Water Works Association and American Society for Testing and Materials International.

This research effort would be of value to fire protection and fire safety related to the prevention of large loss fires, supporting USFA's goal to reduce the loss of life from fire.