What is the process of drafting?

Drafting refers to the process of getting water from a static source, such as a pond, lake, or tank, into a fire apparatus' internal water tank. This technique is essential for fire departments, particularly in situations where hydrants are not available or when water sources need to be utilized directly at the scene.

During drafting, the fire pump creates a vacuum that allows water to be drawn up from a static source through a hose and into the fire truck's tank. This is crucial in emergency scenarios where rapid access to water is essential for firefighting operations.

In contrast, transferring water from one tank to another involves moving water between two storage bodies, which is not the same as drafting. Pumping water from a moving source does not use the principles involved in drafting, as it typically refers to taking water from rivers or other flowing bodies, which operates under different techniques than static water sources. Filtering water for safe consumption has a completely different aim and process, focusing on the purification of water rather than its transfer for firefighting purposes.