Pump Station Occupancy Category
Pump Station Occupancy Category
(OP)
I have a potable water pump station that pumps water to a reservoir. Water in the reservoir goes to the distribution system which is also used for fire protection. Per IBC Table 1604.5 is this Occupancy Category III (water treatment for potable water) or Occupancy Category IV (Water treatment facilities required to maintain water pressure for fire suppression)? Of course I could use IV to be on the safe side but am looking to see if III is justifiable.
Thanks for your help.
-Jason
Thanks for your help.
-Jason






RE: Pump Station Occupancy Category
For instance, if the reservoir and downstream facilities can provide adequate supply and pressure for the length of time that the emergency back up system is required to run, the station would not be emergency-essential and could be designed Cat III.
Another thing to consider is the effect on the potable water if the pump stops running.
Are there upstream issues which could introduce contaminants or untreated water into the pipeline/pump if the pump goes off-line, causing possible detrimental effects if not decontaminated after an emergency?
I'm in land development, so I do a lot with water supply/pressure codes but not much with IBC, so take it with a grain of salt.
RE: Pump Station Occupancy Category
No one can argue that using IV is not the most conservative, but you could get an argument about using III. And when the design is complete, you don't want to lose that argument.
RE: Pump Station Occupancy Category