Water Tanker Shuttle Accreditation

The Water Tanker Shuttle Accreditation is a process that provides the assurance that adequate water can be brought to a fire incident from an alternate water supply other than a fire hydrant on a Municipal Water System. There are two grades that are reviewed in the accreditation process: 

1. Dwelling Protection Grade: Relates to the protection of personal dwellings. In order to attain the Accreditation for this grade, the fire department must maintain a flow of 950 litres (200 imperial gallons) per minute for duration of two hours.
2. Public Fire Protection Grade: Focuses on the need for protection of commercial and industrial needs. To attain Accreditation for this grade, the fire department must maintain a flow of 1900 litres (400 imperial gallons) per minute for duration of two hours.

What is Involved in the Testing?

The test sites are selected and agreed upon by the testing authority and the fire department. The water dump site is selected as is a water source approximately five kilometers away in order to meet the Insurance Bureau requirements.

In order to receive benefits of the Water Tanker Shuttle Accreditation, the building being assessed by an Insurance Company must be within 8 km for Dwelling Protection Grade and 5 km for the Public Fire Protection Grade to the nearest fire station. Secondly, the water source must be within 5 km of the building.

If the required flows are met, the building receives an additional grade point. This grade point difference could translate to savings in annual insurance costs. These savings are dependent upon the insurance company being used.