Water supplies and hydrants

Question 1

What are the three water sources that undertakers obtain their water from?

Answer 1

1) Wells, boreholes and springs
2) Impounding reservoirs
3) River intakes

Question 2

Before reaching the consumer, but after passing through the water purification plant, what are the four sources where water COULD potentially come from?

Answer 2

• Trunk mains
• Distribution mains
• Service reservoirs
• Booster pumps

Question 3

Define the term “water hammer”

Answer 3

Water passing through a pipe possesses both mass and velocity (speed). If this flow is suddenly stopped, the moving mass of water is instantly converted to pressure energy. Since this force must be absorbed by the pipe and its fittings the sudden shock could burst or damage the main. This phenomenon is known as “Water Hammer”

Question 4

Define a “Class A” hydrant indicator plate

Answer 4

For general use except on roads of motorway standard.

Question 5

Define a “Class B” hydrant indicator plate

Answer 5

For use on roads of motorway standard.

Question 6

Define a “Class C” hydrant indicator plate

Answer 6

For emergency water supplies (EWS).

Question 7

Define a “Class D” hydrant indicator plate

Answer 7

For meter-by-pass valves.

Question 8

If a class A or class B hydrant plate has a D attached to the H, what does it mean. (HD)

Answer 8

It means that it is a double hydrant.

Question 9

Name three things (out of the seven) to remember when operating a hydrant.

Answer 9

• Open slowly.
• Close slowly.
• Ensure valve is closed after use.
• Check frost valve works correctly.
• Ensure pit is left clean and dry.
• If the pit is flooded, do not remove the standpipe under the valve is closed.
• Do not remove the standpipe from a hydrant where the supply has failed, or no water is available until the valve is closed.

Question 10

Name five things (out of the seven) to remember when operating a hydrant.

Answer 10

• Open slowly.
• Close slowly.
• Ensure valve is closed after use.
• Check frost valve works correctly.
• Ensure pit is left clean and dry.
• If the pit is flooded, do not remove the standpipe under the valve is closed.
• Do not remove the standpipe from a hydrant where the supply has failed, or no water is available until the valve is closed.

Question 11

Name the seven things to remember when operating a hydrant.

Answer 11

• Open slowly.
• Close slowly.
• Ensure valve is closed after use.
• Check frost valve works correctly.
• Ensure pit is left clean and dry.
• If the pit is flooded, do not remove the standpipe under the valve is closed.
• Do not remove the standpipe from a hydrant where the supply has failed, or no water is available until the valve is closed.

Question 12

Section 39 of the Fire and Rescue services act 2004 states…

Answer 12

• An FRA may enter into an agreement with a water undertaker for the purposes of section 38 (1).
• An agreement under section 38 (1) may include terms as to the payment to be made to the undertaker, subject to section 147 of the water industry act 1991.
• A water undertaker must enter into any agreement reasonable proposed by a FRA under subsection (1)
• The obligation on a water authority under an agreement under subsection (1) or (3) is enforceable by the secretary of state under subsection 18 of the water industry act 1991.