Is having redundant water supplies a standard requirement in NFPA 24?

Redundant water supplies are not strictly mandated as a standard requirement in NFPA 24; however, their incorporation into fire service systems significantly enhances reliability and operational capability. The standard does not categorically require redundancy but recognizes the advantages it provides in ensuring that sufficient water supply is available for firefighting operations, especially in situations where one source may fail or be compromised.

By having multiple water supply sources, the risk of an inadequate supply during emergencies is mitigated, enhancing the overall safety and effectiveness of the fire service main system. The NFPA standards focus on the reliability and availability of water supplies, and while redundancy is not a fixed requirement, it is strongly encouraged as a best practice for improving system resilience.

Systems located in areas where water supply may be less reliable can particularly benefit from this practice, although NFPA 24 applies broadly and does not limit redundancy to urban areas alone. Therefore, while redundancy is not mandated, its presence is seen as a positive aspect of fire service system design.