To Sprinkler Systems - (Fire Services)

To obtain a water supply for a building's sprinkler system it is necessary to apply for a "fire service" from Kentucky American Water. A fire service consists of a main tap, a large diameter service line, post indicator and valve at property line and a theft meter. A stub will be extended a short distance past post indicator for sprinkler system piping tie-in. In applying for a fire service, it is assumed that there is either an existing main in front of the building, or a main extension is planned to provide domestic water service and that main may be tapped.

Apply by printing out the Fire Service Application Packet . The packet includes instructions, specifications, two forms to be completed and submitted with five (5) sets of plans to:

Kentucky American Water
ATTN: Fire Service Specialists
2300 Richmond Road
Lexington, KY 40502

Any questions regarding these instructions, please call our Fire Service Specialists at 859.335.3822 or 335.3833.

The Process:

• Developer, general contractor or sprinkler contractor submits two copies of plans to fire department for hydrant plotting. (See Fire Department Submission List)
• Delivery of application packet and log-in at Kentucky American Water.
• Fire flow test ordered by Fire Service Specialist, test conducted by a distribution crew to determine if flow requested can be met. If fire flow is not met, sprinkler contractor is informed. If fire flow can be met, plans are put in a queue for the fire service design drawing and material listing by the CAD draftsman.
• Once drawn, plans are sent to Project Manager- New Development/Construction (PM) who prepares estimates and agreement for the developer deposit based on average cost and sends them to applicant for deposit.
• At same time, PM sends plans to assigned Fire Service Specialist for field inspection to verify measurements and record any deviations so material may be ordered, bid and installed as designed.
• Following field inspection, drawing is adjusted for variations by the CAD draftsman. If there is a significant design change/cost increase KAW reserves the right to require additional deposit.
• Once agreement and deposit is returned, PM prepares bid and sends to contractors. At the same time material is ordered and will arrive in 4-6 weeks. Approximately 10 days after send-out bids are returned and evaluated.
• Street cut and main blockage permits are prepared and the task order estimated and approved for installation.
• Operations specialist receives confirmation of material arrival date and coordinates construction start with contractor.
• Fire service is installed, chlorinated and flushed as required before being placed in service.
  Timeline

It normally takes 2-3 weeks from receipt of request packet until project is designed and agreements and deposit request are sent to applicant.
Approximately 4-8 weeks after deposit is received, field inspection is completed and material is ordered, material will arrive.
This is approximately a 2 - 2 ½ month process before construction can begin. Delay in the applicant's site being available for field inspection or in applicant making required deposit will increase pre-construction process time.

Agreements

An Application for Special Connection Agreement for the fire service and if applicable for a private hydrant to establish monthly payment for maintenance and support facilities.