Which statement is true regarding static water sources?

• A. The distance to the incident is considered when selecting a static water source.
• B. The static water source closest to the incident should always be used first.
• C. Static water sources should be selected based on water supply capacity and distance.
• D. Water quality is irrelevant.

Answer: (C)

When selecting static water sources for a Mobile Water Supply operation, you balance water supply capacity with distance to the incident. This ensures enough water can be delivered at the required rate without placing excessive demands on the pumping system or causing delays. A source with ample capacity reduces the risk of running dry during a firefight and minimizes the need to hookup multiple sources. At the same time, distance matters because longer supply lines create friction losses and require more pump head and setup time. So a source that offers sufficient volume but is too far away can slow operations and strain equipment, just as a very close source with limited volume might force additional pickups or sooner shutoff. In practice, both factors—how much water is available and how far away it is—are considered together to choose a source that provides reliable, timely firefighting capability. Water quality is a relevant consideration in real-world use, but the question emphasizes the need to evaluate capacity and distance when selecting a static water source.