Establishing Tender Water Supply
The District has a single tender, 11-16, which is capable of deploying a drop tank and 3000 gallons of water.
Positioning
The tank needs to be near enough to the pumper that one or two lengths of hard suction can reach. In the simplest configuration this pumper is also the attack engine. Due to space constraints this may not always be the case and this pumper maybe relay pumping water from the drop tank to the attack engine.
Key placement considerations:
- Try to place the droptank on level ground. Any tilt of the tank reduces its capacity.
- Try not to place the drop tank on sharp objects. They may create holes and leaks in the tank.
- Consider access from water supply tenders and engines. Can they get to the tank, drop their water, and get back out again?
Setting up the Tank
- Lay down a tarp prior to placing the drop tank. This will help protect the liner from punctures caused by stones, glass, etc.
- Be sure the tank frame is fully extended and that the liner is spread out.
- Secure the drains to the frame in the upright position.
- Orient the tank so that at least one frame is downhill if possible. This makes draining the tank easier.
- Connect at least one 2 1/2" threaded fill ports to the tank. This lets engines fill the tank by pumping, preferably through a 3" line.
Connecting the Hard Suction
- Attach the low-level strainer to the end of the hard suction. This is easier done before connecting to the engine.
- Remove the Storz adapter from master intake near the pump panel. You should remove the elbow and not just the fitting.
Storz fitting attached
Storz fitting and elbow removed
- Attach the hard suction to the threaded master intake. One or two blows from the deadblow hammer may be necessary to get an airtight connection. Use best judgment to prevent over tightening or damage to the threads.
Filling the Tender
When filling the tender from a hydrant, fill at no more than 105PSI to prevent damage to internal baffles. The intakes are direct to the tank. Both intakes can be used simultaneously if needed.
Pumping from an Engine
When pumping water from an engine into the drop tank limit discharge pressure to 80PSI.
Water Tender Credit
In order to get a water tender credit from WSRB we must be able to show competence. The basics:
1) From the time the engine applies the parking brake we have 5 minutes to deploy the drop tank and show water.
2) During the operation we must flow 250gpm for 30 minutes uninterrupted supplied only by our own apparatus using the drop tank.
