A little preparation makes the test more useful.
A hydrant flow test records water pressure while water is discharged from one or more hydrants. The field readings and calculations can help an engineer evaluate water supply for a project or help a water system understand conditions at a location. The test plan depends on why the data is needed, which hydrants may be used, and the water provider's operating requirements.
You do not need to design the test or navigate the local approval process before emailing PFS. We research city or county witness, verification, permit, and fee requirements, coordinate with the water provider or local authority, and confirm applicable fees with you in the agreed scope. One email with the location, purpose, and deadline gets us started. The following information helps us coordinate it correctly.
1. The site and the decision the data will support
Send the project address, parcel or site plan if available, and a short explanation of the need: fire protection design, development review, a water system question, or another specific purpose. A street address alone may not tell us where the design team needs the supply information.
2. The project team's requirements
Tell us who will use and receive the results. If an engineer, fire department, utility, or AHJ has specified a test location, witnessing arrangement, procedure, report fields, or a maximum age for data, forward those instructions. Requirements vary by jurisdiction and project.
3. Hydrant and water provider information
Provide a map, hydrant identifiers, proposed test locations, or the name of the water provider if you have them. PFS will confirm operating permission and the field arrangement before testing. Do not assume that a public hydrant can be operated without the provider's authorization.
4. Access and site conditions
Flag locked areas, traffic exposure, construction activity, discharge constraints, or a required site escort. Share the name and number of the person who can coordinate access on the test day.
5. Timing and deliverables
Give us the deadline and any required report recipient or format. Once you approve the scope and the local authority grants any required authorization, we target testing and results within 5–8 business days. Witness, permit, and site availability can affect the confirmed schedule. PFS provides organized documentation that distinguishes measured readings from calculated results, with test locations and supporting field context appropriate to the agreed scope.
A useful first message: “We need flow test data for [project/site] by [date]. The water provider is [name, if known]. The engineer needs the results for [purpose]. Attached are the site plan and any utility instructions. The site contact is [name/number].”
Common questions
Can PFS choose the hydrants? We can help plan the field arrangement with the project team and water provider. Final locations and operating permission must fit the local requirements and the decision the test is meant to support.
Do I need an NFPA 291 test? Tell us the specified standard and edition, if any. PFS coordinates applicable NFPA 291 testing practices with local and project requirements; the AHJ or design professional determines what is acceptable for the project.
What if I only have the address? Send it with the project purpose and your deadline. We can identify the missing coordination details together.
Next step: Request hydrant flow testing or learn about NFPA 291 testing.