An FSR is a specific request to determine the water distribution system’s capacity to meet fire flows. The water distribution system’s capacity is expressed in terms of available flow and pressure and is provided at up to three (3) locations adjacent to a project site.
EBMUD charges a standard fee of $369 to process an FSR.
Creating an account with EBMUD is free and requires only a valid email address. By logging in, you can conveniently access all your FSRs in one place and maintain a complete history of your records. If you already have an EBMUD account for your water bill or a water service application, you can use the same account and login information to submit, track, and view your FSRs.
The flow and pressure data provided in an FSR is valid for one (1) year after the results are issued. Once the FSR is expired, applicants will need to reapply and pay the required processing fee.
A standard FSR is typically completed by EBMUD within approximately 10 business days from receipt of payment.
An FSR will provide the flow and pressure available at the water mains fronting your project site. This information is most needed for the design of dedicated fire sprinkler systems or to verify the fire flow availability at nearby public fire hydrants. Furthermore, before installing a dedicated private fire service, EBMUD requires that the applicant submit a Statement of Design Criteria (SODC) filled out and signed by the private fire sprinkler system/protection designer. The SODC is used to verify that the flow and pressure information provided by EBMUD was used for the private fire service design. A blank SODC form is included with every completed FSR (found on the second page of your FSR results).
Applicants who are required to have a dedicated private fire service for commercial or multi-family structures or applicants who are required by the local fire jurisdiction to confirm available fire flow at a nearby hydrant should apply for an FSR.
Note: Single-family residences utilizing dual service for residential fire sprinkler design (NFPA 13R) do not need to submit an FSR. Applicants needing water pressure information for single-family residential fire-sprinkler design should apply through EBMUD’s free Water Pressure Information Request Form.
EBMUD will provide flow and pressure information for up to three (3) locations per request. Ideally, the connection points requested in your FSR should reflect the actual locations of your project’s future private fire service, existing private fire service location, or the location of an existing or proposed public hydrant. However, in cases where your property fronts multiple water mains and you are in the process of evaluating the placement of your private fire service, the FSR process can serve as a tool to investigate and determine the areas with optimal flow and pressure for your project.
If you are unsure about where to locate your new fire service, please let us know in the comments section of the FSR form that you’re investigating options for your fire service location. Our team will provide residual pressures at up to three (3) potential connection locations fronting your project site.
An EBMUD water distribution system map may be requested by submitting a Map Request Form. Follow the instructions on the form to request a water distribution system map of your project area.
A pressure zone is a geographic area that serves customers within a water distribution system that is bounded by a lower and upper elevation (typically within a 200-foot elevation band). Pressure zones typically have one or more water storage tanks filled by pumping plants from lower pressure zones.
All flow and pressure information provided through the FSR process is analyzed at the street water main connections. EBMUD does not provide any information for private water systems.
Static and residual pressures provided through EBMUD’s FSR process are based on an all-pipe hydraulic model of EBMUD’s water distribution system. This hydraulic model accounts for projected maximum day water demands and typical low-operating water levels in EBMUD distribution reservoirs. Residual pressure is typically provided at 750 gallons per minute (gpm) and 1,500 gpm, unless a larger design flow is specified in the FSR application, or if available flow is limited to under 1,500 gpm. In cases where available flow is limited, the residual pressure at the maximum available flow is provided.
The information provided in the FSR should be used as a guideline of the approximate available flow. It is recommended that a design allowance be made for possible reductions in pressure and/or flow that could occur under other possible scenarios. EBMUD cannot guarantee any specific values for pressure and flow.
Since 2003, the flow and information provided through EBMUD’s FSR process is based on an all-pipeline hydraulic model of EBMUD’s water distribution system that accounts for projected maximum day demands and typical low reservoir operating levels. Field measurements (e.g., hydrant flow tests or pressure gauge readings) are only a snapshot picture of the field conditions and EBMUD's water distribution system at the time the field measurement was conducted. Various factors, such as area wide customer demand, water distribution system configuration, and system operations will influence the results of field measurements. It is recommended that a design allowance be made for possible reductions in pressure and/or flow that could occur under other possible scenarios.
The flow and pressure information from a FSR is provided at the street main connection and does not account for pressure losses between the water main and the detector check valve.
Please contact EBMUD’s New Business Office at nbo@ebmud.com or call 510-287-1008 to request a water service estimate to determine the costs and conditions of providing water service to the development, including potential costs for offsite pipeline improvements.
Where available fire flow is limited, offsite pipeline improvements, at the applicant’s expense, may be required to meet fire flow requirements set by the local fire agency. Offsite pipeline improvements include, but are not limited to, replacement of existing water mains to the project site. Engineering and installation of water mains requires substantial lead time, which should be provided for in the project sponsor's development schedule.
Please submit your questions to nbo@ebmud.com or call 510-287-1008.