USAF Mobile Water Supply (MWS) Fire Practice Test

When incident flow rates exceed 300 gpm, which setup should be used?

One portable tank Two or more portable tanks Three portable tanks Four portable tanks

Correct Answer:

Two or more portable tanks

Explanation:

When the water demand at the incident is high, you need a continuous source that won’t run dry or cause the pump to lose its prime. A single portable tank can’t reliably sustain that higher flow because as the pump draws water, the tank level drops and suction conditions can deteriorate, risking air entrainment and a drop in discharge. Using two or more portable tanks creates a relay system: one tank feeds the pump while the other refills or is prepared to take over, keeping the pump fed and the flow steady. This minimal two-tank arrangement is the practical way to meet higher flows without interruption, and adding more tanks isn’t usually necessary for this purpose.

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