This chapter discusses water supply systems used by firefighters. It covers the different types of water sources and supply systems, including underground piping and storage tanks. It also describes the valves used to control water flow and the different types of fire hydrants, their locations, and how to inspect and operate them. Alternative water supply methods for rural areas are discussed, such as water shuttles using portable tanks and relay pumping from nearby sources. The chapter emphasizes the importance of firefighters understanding local water supply systems and how to access water for firefighting.

1. Essentials of Fire Fighting
6th Edition
Firefighter I
Chapter 14 — Water Supply

2. Explain the ways water supply
system components are used by
firefighters.
Learning Objective 1
14–2

3. There are two types of water
supply systems firefighters use.
14–3

4. Water supply sources are found in
a variety of locations.
14–4

5. The amount of water needed from a
supply source considers several
factors.
14–5

6. Water treatment or processing
facilities remove impurities in
water.
14–6

7. The means of moving water
depends on the original source for
the water.
14–7
(Cont.)

8. The means of moving water
depends on the original source for
the water.
14–8
(Cont.)

9. The means of moving water
depends on the original source for
the water.
14–9

10. REVIEW QUESTION
What are the three main means of
moving water used by firefighters?
14–10

11. Piping is an important aspect of the
water distribution and storage system.
14–11

12. Storage tanks are also another
component in the system.
14–12

13. Isolation and control valves use
several methods to interrupt water
flow.
14–13

14. Isolation valves are used to isolate
sections of the water supply
system.
14–14

15. Control valves are located between
public and private systems.
14–15

16. Fire hydrant locations vary
depending on the water system.
14–16

17. Friction loss and locations can
affect volume and pressure.
14–17

18. REVIEW QUESTION
How do the main components of
water distribution and storage systems
operate?
14–18

19. Describe types of fire hydrants and
hydrant markings.
Learning Objective 2
14–19

20. Fire hydrants, while a dependable
water source, can fail.
14–20

21. There are several commonalities in
hydrants a firefighter may encounter.
14–21

22. Dry- and wet-barrel hydrants are
designed for different climates.
14–22

23. REVIEW QUESTION
What are the main types of fire
hydrants?
14–23

24. Fire hydrant markings can be used
to designate flow capacity.
14–24

25. Explain fire hydrant operation and
inspection considerations.
Learning Objective 3
14–25

26. Hydrant operation and inspection
requires specific knowledge.
14–26

27. Some potential problems may be
present during hydrant inspections.
14–27

28. REVIEW QUESTION
How does the operation of a dry-
barrel hydrant compare to that of a wet-
barrel hydrant?
14–28

29. Explain alternative water supply
sources and methods of access.
Learning Objective 4
14–29

30. Alternative water supply sources
can be found in a variety of places.
14–30

31. Drafting operations may be
required to access alternative
water supplies.
14–31

32. REVIEW QUESTION
When should alternative water
supplies be identified?
14–32

33. Describe methods used for rural
water supply operations.
Learning Objective 5
14–33

34. Rural water supply operations
require planning and practice.
14–34

35. The water shuttle method transfers
water to tanks for use.
14–35

36. There are several key components in
a water shuttle operation.
14–36

37. Portable tank types require
specific set up guidelines.
14–37

38. Water supply volume is calculated
on several variables.
14–38

39. You must know ways to use and
regulations for water supply
apparatus.
14–39

40. Use of self-filling vacuum mobile
apparatus has increased.
14–40

41. Relay pumping is used when the water
source is close enough to the fire
scene.
14–41

42. REVIEW QUESTION
What are the common operations for
accessing rural water supplies?
14–42

43. • Because water is the primary fire
extinguishing agent used by
firefighters, and because fires often
occur considerable distances from
major water sources, fire departments
must develop ways to transport the
available water from its source to the
place it is needed.
Summary
14–43
(Cont.)

44. • Firefighters must be familiar with the
water supply systems in their response
areas.
• They must know about water sources,
pumping systems, gravity systems, and
the system of underground water
mains used to distribute the water.
Summary
14–44
(Cont.)

45. • They must also know how to inspect,
maintain, and operate the fire hydrants
in their jurisdictions.
Summary
14–45

46. Operate a hydrant.
This objective is measured in Skill
Sheet 14-I-1.
Learning Objective 6
14–46

47. Make soft-sleeve and hard-suction
hydrant connections.
This objective is measured in Skill
Sheet 14-I-2.
Learning Objective 7
14–47

48. Connect and place a hard-suction
hose for drafting from a static water
source.
This objective is measured in Skill
Sheet 14-I-3.
Learning Objective 8
14–48

49. Deploy a portable water tank.
This objective is measured in Skill
Sheet 14-I-4.
Learning Objective 9
14–49