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How to Obtain Hydrant Flow Data

INFORMATION BULLETIN
180
February 2026

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IN THIS BULLETIN:

This information bulletin describes the procedure for obtaining the available water flow and pressure at a fire hydrant for projects in the City of San Diego. This information is required when applying for fire sprinkler or standpipe permits requiring hydraulic calculations within the City’s jurisdiction. The City of San Diego utilizes a computer model to track and display the flow and pressure of fire hydrants within the City of San Diego water district.

I. Completing Form DS-160

Print or/type all necessary information for the desired fire hydrant flow and pressure location on the Hydrant Flow Request Form (DS-160)

Draw or insert an accurate site map of the area on the form. The site map must indicate the location of the specific fire hydrant from which the hydrant flow data is being requested, the project street and address, the general location of the project, the nearest cross street, and a north arrow. The map must be drawn or inserted to a size or scale sufficient to clearly show all elements described above. Hydrant locations within the City of San Diego water district can be identified via the link in the reference table.

Each DS-160 form is valid only for a single hydrant. If flow data from multiple hydrants is necessary, individual forms must be submitted. Each hydrant flow application is valid for a single jobsite. If flow data for multiple jobsites is necessary, individual applications must be submitted.

II. Submitting Form DS-160

To request available hydrant flow data, complete Form DS-160 and submit the form electronically through the online portal by selecting Hydrant Flow under Miscellaneous Applications. 

A nonrefundable fee equal to the 1-hour rate for services will be charged per form at the time of submittal. The current hourly rate for services can be found in Table 506B of Information Bulletin 506. 

III. Locations without Water Model Data 

  1. For existing private fire service mains or fire hydrants where water model data is not available, a hydrant flow request must be submitted for the off-site public fire hydrant that is closest to the point of connection for the on-site private fire main. Flow testing of public or private fire hydrants will not be witnessed by Development Services or Fire Department personnel, and data from such test will not be accepted for the design of fire suppression systems. Any hydraulic calculations must be carried back through the private on-site system to the point of connection to the city water distribution system.
  2. For new developments without current fire hydrants or where water model data is not available, the project’s water study or a hydraulic analysis prepared by a registered professional engineer shall be provided with the fire sprinkler plans in lieu of hydrant flow data.
  3. For projects located outside the City of San Diego Public Utilities Department Water District, water supply information obtained from the applicable water purveyor shall be used. 

IV. Using Hydrant Flow Data 

A signed copy of the Hydrant Flow Request form obtained within 6 months of the permit application date shall be electronically affixed to the fire suppression system plans uploaded for the permit submittal. Note that the data provided will include a safety factor reduction equal to 10% of the static pressure. No additional safety factors need to be applied to the data that is provided.

The hydrant flow data provided is intended solely for fire suppression system design and includes certain reductions that are necessary for that purpose. For general inquiries about water pressure, including domestic demands, please contact DSD-Water & Sewer Review Staff.

V. Contractor's Responsibility 

It is the contractor's responsibility to confirm the available static pressure at the system point of connection prior to designing the system and to report any discrepancies to DSD staff as soon as possible.

VI. References

VII. Previous Versions of this Information Bulletin

This section contains previous versions of this Information Bulletin by the last day they were effective.