Fire Flow Testing

Civil Engineering Consultants has tested and modeled over 1,000 fire hydrants for both municipal clients and private developers throughout the Atlanta metropolitan area and beyond. Generally, CEC gathers the necessary field data by testing one or more existing hydrants in the vicinity of a proposed development. CEC then uses the flow data to develop a hydraulic computer model using Bentley’s WaterCAD software to simulate the existing water system characteristics. Once the existing water system is calibrated, CEC prepares a model of the proposed water system to estimate the available fire flow for each of the proposed fire hydrants within the development. Available fire flows are reported using safety factors to simulate periods of high sustained demand.

CEC can also provide clients with assistance in the conceptual phase of a proposed development in order to minimize water line pipe sizes and maximize available fire flow. Existing water systems with marginal available fire flows or properties with significant elevation changes can create challenges when it comes to meeting fire flow requirements. CEC can create a preliminary water model that estimates available fire flow in remote locations and high points within the development as well as make recommendations as to water line sizes and/or potential loop connections.

Some communities, such as Forsyth County, require As-Built fire flow tests.  CEC uses the As-Built flow test data to recalibrate the computer water model in order to report the available fire flow for each of the other fire hydrants within the development.

CEC is specifically approved to test hydrants for the City of Roswell, City of Sandy Springs and Cobb County. The City of Atlanta (currently $155) test their own hydrants. However, CEC can prepare water models for developments within these municipalities using their test data. Other communities, such as the City of Cumming, Forsyth County, Gwinnett County, DeKalbCounty and Paulding County require notification prior to testing hydrants. The City of Roswell requires a 24-hour static pressure test in addition to the flow test.

Please contact us at 770-977-5747 or by email at firehydranttesting@cecincga.com for more information.