Water Supply & Distribution System



Water Supply & Distribution System

Introduction

The water supply and distribution systems at Berkeley Lab provide for both domestic and fire protection usage. There are two inlets from two separate East Bay Municipal Utilities District (EBMUD) reservoirs supplying to a gridded system. The primary source is a 12-inch diameter line from the Shasta Reservoir (2,260,000-gallon capacity) located 1,150 feet above sea level. A second source of water is an 8-inch-diameter line from the Berkeley View Reservoir (3,040,000-gallon capacity) located 1,337 feet above sea level.

The underground mains throughout the facility consist of 6-, 8-, and 12-inch looped piping with sectional isolation valves installed at strategic locations for isolating potential system problems in the affected area without having to impair the entire system. Underground pipes consist of ductile iron and welded steel with cement lining. The system has recently undergone an upgrade replacing some older mains.  Due to the 300-foot-plus elevation differences, the system pressures are usually maintained at 90 to 140 psig, depending on location. (Pearce 2006)

There are fire hydrants strategically located throughout the site. Each hydrant has a 4-1/2" steamer and two 2-1/2" valved connections.

In order to provide a very reliable water supply during emergency conditions, three 200,000-gallon-capacity storage tanks were installed remotely from each other on the site.

A diesel-engine-driven water pump has been provided next to two of the three tanks. Pump 1, located in Bldg. 68, is rated at 1,500 gpm at 84 psig. Pump 2, located at Bldg. 82, is rated at 1,500 gpm at 142 psig. If the water lines from EBMUD to Berkeley Lab are damaged, the 600,000 gallons and the two diesel pumps on site will maintain water supply and water pressure to each building. Each pump will start automatically when there is a drop in water pressure in the distribution system. The starting of the pump will be announced via the sitewide fire alarm system at the Watch Office (Building 48) and the Berkeley Lab Fire Dispatch Center (located at LLNL).

Urban Wildland Fire Exposure

Berkeley Lab is currently active in managing vegetative growth and reducing potential fire hazards of the urban-wildland interface through its Vegetation Management Program. Through this program, the risk of a major fire and its loss potential are substantially reduced.

Policy Statement

Berkeley Lab's Environment, Safety, and Health (ES&H) policy is to provide a safe and healthful working environment for its employees, participating guests, and other visitors; to prevent any harm to the health and safety of the general public or to the environment as a result of the Laboratory's activities; and to protect its property from damage or loss due to accidents or other causes. Berkeley Lab employees, contractors, and participating visitors at the Lab or its offsite locations are required to be familiar with and observe Lab safety (Work Smart) standards. Berkeley Lab articulates this policy through its Integrated Environment, Safety, and Health Management Plan. (Molden 2007)

The fire prevention and protection policy at Berkeley Lab is to ensure that fires pose no threat to the public or ...