In rural firefighting, it’s common to encounter shallow water sources such as creeks or small ponds. Knowing how to assess and utilize these sources effectively can make or break your water supply strategy. In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to evaluate a shallow water source and use damming techniques to create a viable water supply.

Shallow sources are often the only available option in rural firefighting scenarios. These sources can be challenging to use, but with the right tactics—like dam-building and drafting techniques—you can convert even the most seemingly unusable stream into a reliable water supply for your fireground operations.

Evaluating a Shallow Sources

The first step in utilizing shallow sources is determining whether it’s stagnant or flowing. A stagnant water source is generally unsuitable for drafting, while a flowing stream can be turned into a viable water supply.

How to Calculate Water Flow Rate

To calculate whether a flowing stream can meet your water needs, you’ll need to measure three key variables:

Flow Rate = Depth x Width x Velocity x 7.5

This will give you the stream’s gallon-per-minute (GPM) rate, which helps you determine if the source is adequate for your operation.

With the right strainer and proper positioning, shallow sources can provide a steady and reliable water supply.

Damming Shallow Sources for Drafting

If the water is too shallow for traditional drafting, the next step is to build a dam to raise the water level. The goal is to create enough depth for the strainer to be submerged and effectively pull water into the pump.

Step 1 – Selecting Equipment for Damming

For effective damming, you’ll need:

Step 2 – Constructing the Dam

Choosing Strainers for Shallow Sources

The depth of the water source will dictate which type of strainer you should use. If you can achieve 2 feet of water, a barrel strainer is the ideal choice. However, for shallower depths, a low-level strainer or box strainer can be used to pull water from the top of the stream without sucking in debris from the bottom.

Preventing Clogging and Whirlpools

To prevent the strainer from clogging or creating whirlpools, you can:

Advanced Techniques for Shallow Sources

For sources with particularly tricky depths or flow rates, here are some advanced tactics:

Pressurized Prime Technique

If you can’t get a proper prime due to shallow sources, use the pressurized prime technique. This involves attaching a handline to the strainer’s jet siphon, allowing you to charge the strainer and remove air pockets for a smoother draft.

Using shallow streams and building dams is just one part of a broader rural firefighting water strategy. By mastering these techniques, you can ensure your department is ready for any scenario.

Frequently Asked Questions About Rural Water Source Evaluation

After-Action Review: Mastering Your Rural Shallow Source Drafting Operation

Using shallow streams and building dams is just one part of a broader rural firefighting water strategy. By mastering these techniques, you can ensure your department is ready for any scenario.

Tell us what you thought about this lesson!