Mechanical system and service inside building includes water system and ventilation system. Building occupancy is highly dependent on water source availability. Water for potable and non-potable uses, and make-up water for HVAC systems, is required under normal operating conditions. During emergency conditions, water is required for fire suppression.
Water sources vary for each building and could include a municipal water supply, private water supply, or supply from a well. Reliability of the water supply should be reviewed during a facility threat analysis and risk assessment. Depending on local conditions, an on-site water storage system may be required. Hospitals, research laboratories, utility generating facilities, and other mission-critical facilities are highly dependent on water availability. In such cases, alternative water sources should
be considered during facility planning and design.
Fire pumps are required for facilities lacking adequate water service main pressure to reliably supply building fire suppression systems. Effective operation is essential for pro standpipe building services. Nonoperational fire pumps could endanger a facility and building occupy in an emergency. Providing redundant fire pumps in different locations, supplies and controllers, can enhance fire pump system reliability.
Consideration should be given providing one electrically operated pump and one diesel-driven pump, to offer greater diversity. The primary electric service would allow the electric pump to be supplied from the diesel emergency generator and the other pump to be driven by the internal diesel engine. Should the diesel emergency generator fail to operate, a fire pump would still be available to support the building fire suppression system.