Harris County Fire Protection Water Tanks

Water Storage for Fire Protection Systems

Residential and commercial buildings may require water storage for fire protection, based off of the Harris County fire flow requirements. Pioneer Water Tanks are compliant with NFPA standards for fire protection water storage and are installed across Texas for different applications.

Our standard range of tanks are available from 5,000 to 100,000-Gallons or can be custom-built up to one million gallons. Pioneer tanks are backed by our industry-leading 20-year warranty, so you can rest easy knowing you have a fire-protection solution that will last.

We offer complete permit submittal packages that include Texas engineer stamped detailed drawings as well as the tank foundation design for an easy process to spec for projects. Pioneer Water Tanks are constructed on-site with a proprietary jacking system that doesn’t require heavy machinery for an accelerated installation.

Water Storage for Fire Protection in Harris County

Harris County requires permits and plan submittals for new fire alarm and fire sprinkler systems to include providing the required water supply, the fire flow, for the building. If the existing water supply cannot supply the pressure necessary for firefighting, Pioneer Water Tanks can supply the capacity needed for a building permit.

Pioneer Water Tanks are engineered to NFPA standards for water storage for fire protection. The tank body and roof are made of Zincalume® Steel, which is proven to withstand fire immersion. The tank’s firefighting adapters and nozzles are compatible with fire hoses across North America.

Pioneer Water Tanks can be configured for cyclonic and seismic conditions, as well as heavy industrial zones. Additional accessories are available for different compliance needs. Outfit your tank with anti-vortex fittings and firefighting adapters for quick access during a fire emergency.

The Harris County Fire Code as Relevant to Fire Flow

507.1 Required water supply. An approved water supply capable of supplying the required fire flow for fire protection shall be provided to premises upon which facilities, buildings or portions of buildings are hereafter constructed or moved into or within the jurisdiction.

508.1 Required water supply. An approved water supply capable of supplying the required fire flow for fire protection shall be provided to premises upon which facilities, buildings or portions of buildings are hereafter constructed or moved into or within the jurisdiction. A water supply as otherwise required by this section will not be required if the responsible emergency services district or fire department provides a letter stating they can provide sufficient fire flow for the specific project.

2808.18 Fire protection response plan: • Local fire department is a participant in the plan • Local fire department has a copy of the fire prevention response plan 32 • Employees are trained and can perform their role in an emergency • Heavy equipment with trained operators to separate and work piles is on site or immediately available • Adequate water supply: fixed hydrants, portable tanks, ponds, other sources • Adequate pressure and flow rate at all locations on site (minimum of 250 GPM at 60 PSI)

Link to the City of Houston Fire Code: Link

The Harris County Fire Flow worksheet is based on the National Fire Academy (NFA) method of calculating fire flow.

Needed fire flow = [(length x width) ÷ 3] x percent of involvement

Example: For a 30′ x 50′ building that’s 25 percent involved, the flow would be 30 x 50 = 1,500 square feet, divided by 3 = 500 x 0.25 = 125 GPM.

Protect your tank with Pioneer

A feat of engineering excellence, the Pioneer V-LOCK® wall profile is designed to stand the test of time and provides superior internal support for the tank liner.

The AQUALINER Fresh® antimicrobial tank liner is designed keep your water fresher, cleaner and healthier for longer.

Harris County Fire Protection Water Tanks

Pioneer Water Tanks are cost-effective for dual purposes and are approved for use in Harris County, as well as for the State of Texas. Dual service water storage tanks can be used for fire protection, irrigation, as a potable drinking water source and more applications.

Ensure adequate water supply is ready in case of an emergency with the appropriate fire connections for residential and commercial needs. This is typically achieved with two separate plumbing systems being implemented with the water tank. The plumbing pipe for the separate use does not extend below the water elevation that is reserved for fire protection.

We can deliver and install water storage tanks from 5,000 to 1,000,000-Gallons. Pioneer Water Tanks are backed by our industry-leading 20-Year warranty so you can rest easy knowing you have a water storage solution that will last.

Tested and Proven

Pioneer Water Tanks are manufactured to NFPA 22 requirements and have been third-party tested and proven.

The following video is a Pioneer Water Tank that was tested with a 30-minute flame immersion test conducted by the Australian Government Bushfire Cooperative Research Center.

The Pioneer Water Tank maintained structural integrity and proved able to retain water during and after the fire front, essential elements for a fire protection water supply.

Pioneer Water Tanks are approved for use in Harris County for fire protection and drinking water storage. Combining several uses into one dual-use water tank saves money as compared to buying two separate water storage systems.

Our standpipe or external fitting options diverts the additional water supply to ensure that it doesn’t affect the required mandated usable water capacity for fire protection. We offer commercial accessory options to comply with local requirements.

Customize your water tank

Knowing your rainwater tank is for your home, and needs to be in keeping with your personal style, Pioneer Water Tanks has a range of colors and additional features to choose from.

Water Storage for Fire Protection

Pioneer Water Tanks are engineered to NFPA standards for water storage for fire protection. The tank body and roof are made of Zincalume® Steel, which is proven to withstand fire immersion. The tank’s firefighting adapters and nozzles are compatible with fire hoses across North America.

Pioneer Water Tanks can be configured for cyclonic and seismic conditions, as well as heavy industrial zones. Additional accessories are available for different compliance needs. Outfit your tank with anti-vortex fittings and firefighting adapters for quick access during a fire emergency.

Pioneer Water Tanks are delivered to and built directly at the project site without the use of cranes, which reduces the overall project cost and allows for the most flexibility in adapting to the site’s installation requirements.

Discover the Difference in Pioneer Water Tanks

Heavy Duty Trusses

Our exclusively engineered trusses are hot-dipped galvanized steel equipped with a swivel foot. As a result, it provides optimal movement in your tank in extreme conditions. As your tank adapts to external conditions, you can rest easy your tank won’t fail when you need it most.

High Tensile Bolts

Specifically engineered for strength and durability, our bolts are galvanized high tensile 8.8 grade. Not only are they hardened and super strong, but they are also the most resistant bolt on the market to shear under pressure.

Pioneer V-LOCK ®

Our exclusive PIONEER V-LOCK® tank wall profile is specifically engineered to maximize the strength of corrugated steel without damaging or stretching your liner when molded to the tank wall. Independent testing proves that the PIONEER V-LOCK® provides the ultimate shock absorption to prevent movement or sinking.

Fire Hose Fittings

Be ready for fire emergencies with our fast, convenient firefighting valve options. Outfit your tank with anti-vortex fittings and firefighting adapters for quick access during a fire emergency.

Pioneer's Five Key Differences

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