Water Storage Tanks for Fire Protection

Water Storage Tanks installed for the purpose of water storage for fire protection when required by the California Fire Code and California Building Code, shall meet the standards of NFPA 22, The Standard for Water Tanks for Private Fire Protection. 

When the water tank is used in relation with a fire pump, commercial fire line underground or fire suppression system. The following NFPA Standards shall apply NFPA 22, NFPA 20, and NFPA 13 shall apply.

All water tanks shall be permitted through Sonoma County Building Department and Sonoma County Fire regardless of use when over 5000 gallons in size.

All Tanks 5000 gallons or greater must be on a concrete foundation Per NFPA 22, Section 12.2 and Sonoma County Building Department Requirements..

Permitted water storage tanks not for use listed above. The following shall be required by the fire department in emergency situations.

Tanks up to to 20,000 gallons shall be equipped with an outlet and valve meeting the following requirements.

• Minimum 4 inch outlet from the tank.
• Vortex Plate may be required per NFPA 22 inside the tank.
• A minimum 4 inch valve at the tank and the point of connection for the fire department unless otherwise approved. 
• Adapter (IPS),Iron pipe size, bolt flange, or grooved X Male 4.5 (NHT) National Hose Thread.
• The adapter shall be capable of being installed on the 4 inch valve.
• A cap to protect the threads.

Tanks greater then 20,000 gallons shall be equipped with an outlet and valve meeting the following requirements.

• Minimum 6 inch outlet at the tank.
• Vortex Plate may be required per NFPA 22 inside the tank.
• A minimum 6 inch valve at the tank and the point of connection for the fire department unless otherwise approved.
• Adapter (IPS), Iron pipe size, bolt flange, or grooved  X Male 4.5 (NHT) National Hose Thread.
• The adapter shall be capable of being installed on the 4 inch valve.
• A cap to protect the threads.