Fire Flow Calculation

Fire Flow Calculation

Fire flow calculations are required to verify that SCV Water’s distribution system can provide adequate pressure and flow for firefighting purposes, as required by the California Fire Code Section 507. These evaluations are typically required for new developments, building permits, and fire sprinkler system design. They help ensure compliance with applicable codes, identify potential system limitations, and assess available water supply for fire protection.

 

Fire Flow Request Process

  1. Applicant initiates Fire Flow Request with the L.A. County Fire Department
    1. Contact the L.A. County Fire Department (LACFD) Fire Prevention Division to obtain the necessary form(s):
      1. Form 195- Fire Flow Availability for Single Family Dwellings
      2. Form 196 - Fire Flow Availability for other than Single Family Dwellings
    2. Complete and sign the first page of the form.
    3. The applicant must provide their contact information and upload the completed, signed, and dated form.
    4. The applicant will be prompted to submit payment for processing services.
       
  2. SCV Water Provides Fire Flow Availability Information
    SCV Water fills out Part II of Form 195 or 196 “to be completed by Water Purveyor” and returns to Applicant.
     
  3. Applicant Sends Completed Form to the L.A. County Fire Department
    It is the Applicant’s responsibility to upload the completed Form and building plans to the EpicLA Portal.

Fire Flow Application

SCV Water requires the following information to process a fire flow request:

  • L.A. County Fire Department Fire Flow Form (195 for residential or 196 for commercial property, in PDF or doc. format)
  • Building Site plan (Optional)
  • Fire Department’s Flow Requirement (Gallons per minute - GPM)
  • Assessor’s Parcel Number (APN)
  • Applicant’s contact information and email address
  • Form of payment (we accept credit card, debit card etc.)

Please have these items ready before you start your SCV Water application process.

Application for Hydrant Flow Analysis

To request fire flow analysis, first contact the Los Angeles County Fire Department (LACFD) Fire Prevention Division for the necessary form(s):

  • Form 195- Fire Flow Availability for Single Family Dwellings
  • Form 196 - Fire Flow Availability for other than Single Family Dwellings

 

Coming soon: Application for Hydrant Flow Analysis

 

To obtain a Hydrant Flow Analysis, click the Application link and complete the online application, including payment. Upload the appropriate L.A. County Fire Department Form (Form 195 or Form 196) with Part 1 fully completed, signed, and dated. Once Submitted, the fire flow results will be emailed to you within 10-15 business days.

 

Glossary of Terms

Glossary

 

  • FORM 195 - Fire Flow Availability (For Single Family Dwellings (R-3))
  • FORM 196 - Fire Flow Availability (For All Buildings Other Than Single Family Dwellings (R-3))
  • WATER PURVEYOR – Santa Clarita Valley Water Agency (SCV Water)
  • FIRE FLOW AVAILABLE – The maximum (theoretical) flow available from a fire hydrant while maintaining to minimum residual pressure of 20 PSI throughout the distribution system.
  • GPM – Gallons per minute (Unit assigned to Flow)
  • PSI – Pounds per square inch (Unit assigned to Pressure)
  • SITE PLAN – Engineering/Architectural Plans of proposed building, site, development, commercial structure or existing (residential or commercial structure) or Google map/parcel map image of requested address with parcel/address identified.
  • STATIC PRESSURE – the pressure at the individual hydrant before water begins to flow.
  • RESIDUAL PRESSURE - the pressure at the individual hydrant while water is flowing.

 

 

Fire Flow Frequently Asked Questions

How do I request fire flow information from SCV Water?

To request fire flow information from SCV Water, first contact the Los Angeles County Fire Department (LACoFD) Fire Prevention Division to determine what their fire flow requirements are for the property. The LACoFD forms can be found here: https://fire.lacounty.gov/fire-prevention/

What forms do I need?

You will need to obtain either the L.A. County Fire Department (LACoFD) Form 195 which is for One and Two Family Dwellings, Townhomes, and Accessory Dwelling Units, or LACoFD Form 196, which is for all Buildings other than Single Family Dwellings.

What do I need to submit?

Completed, signed, and dated Part 1 of the LACFD Form 195 or LACFD Form 196.

Where do I submit my completed L.A. County Fire Department form?

Coming soon ...! You will submit your completed L.A. County Fire Department form (Form 195 or Form 196) with your Application for Hydrant Flow Analysis through the portal on the SCV Water website.

What happens once my application is submitted to SCV Water?

A receipt for your payment will be emailed to the address provided on your application. Please allow 10 -15 business days for processing. Business days do not include our alternate Fridays off, holidays, and weekends. Once processing is complete, the signed form will be emailed to the address provided by the applicant. The applicant is then responsible for submitting the completed form to the Fire Department for their review and approval.

Is there a fee?

Yes. New requests are subject to a $500 processing fee per form. Renewal requests or requests for a copy of a previously completed form are subject to a $150 per form. A request is considered a renewal or a copy if the form is resubmitted within one (1) year of the date it was signed by SCV Water.

How long is the L.A. County Fire Department Fire Flow Form valid?

The valid date information is stated on the Form. Please confirm with the Fire Department.