What is the primary consideration when drafting from a static water source?

When drafting from a static water source, the primary consideration revolves around the amount of required lift. Lift refers to the vertical distance that water needs to be moved from the source to the pump. This is crucial because it directly impacts the pump's ability to draw water efficiently and effectively. The greater the lift, the more effort is required by the pump, which can influence performance and the firefighting operation as a whole. Understanding the lift necessary allows operators to assess if the available equipment can perform the task efficiently and whether additional measures, such as using a larger or more powerful pump, are necessary.

While personnel safety, distance from the water source, and regulatory compliance are all important considerations in the broader scope of firefighting operations, they are secondary to the specific technical aspect of lift when drafting. If the lift required exceeds the pump's capabilities, it could result in ineffective operations regardless of other factors. Therefore, recognizing and calculating the required lift is essential to ensure successful water acquisition during firefighting efforts.