Does anyone know whether there are any relevant British Standards or similar EN standards, for the design, supply and installation of underground emergency fire-fighting water supplies? I am working on a new commercial development where the statutory water supplies are simply not sufficient and an upgrade is financially untenable. The alternative will be a series of huge water tanks, which will need to be buried. If anybody has any pointers to any standards, I'd be most obliged

Messy I assume from the way I read your query you are talking about just the tanks being underground not the whole fire fighting system? How about NFPA22 - Water Tanks for Private Fire protection? I know it's a US standard but it might be a starting point? Seems to be freely available here http://www.pumpfundament.../NFPA-22-water-tanks.pdf and I think also via the NFPA site if you register (which is free) Beware they are awful things to read if you haven't had the pleasure before! Other than that, LPC sprinkler rules and/or BS EN 12845 (Fixed firefighting systems. Automatic sprinkler systems. Design, installation and maintenance) but I don't have access to a copy so can't say if it covers underground tanks specifically. No chance of having the tanks above ground? I know this is in the LPC standards as I have been involved with an installation that had such tanks. Client's insurance company should be able to help?

Thanks to all for your help At this time, the client are reluctant to have surface tanks for various technical reasons, so want them underground. I have a feeling when they compare the costs the technical reasons may well disappear !!!!! Insurance company are not being helpful and the incompetent contact I have head with the local fire service does not motivate me in asking them again. Thanks again. I'll do a little reading before I make my next move