The fire department is one of every city’s greatest assets. Even though cities may allocate significant resources for fire equipment and facilities, they are confronted with the need for an adequate water supply and delivery system. The water supply and delivery system counts for 40 percent of the Insurance Service Organization grading system that impacts, to a significant extent, private and commercial property fire insurance premiums. All properties in a community have minimum needed fire flows, especially commercial and industrial occupancies, which range from 500 gallons-per-minute (gpm) to 3,500 gpm or more. A large factory or warehouse, for example, might have a needed fire flow of 5,000 gpm. If the water system is not capable of delivering the needed fire flow, the Insurance Services Office (ISO) considers that a deficient fire flow, which has a negative impact on the community's Public Protection Classification (i.e., ISO Rating) and corresponding property insurance rates.

“Water is our most precious resource. This is especially true when considering firefighting applications. When it comes down to it, water is the fire department’s ammunition. Despite all the equipment, training, and efficiency of the firefighting personnel, an adequate water supply for firefighting plays the most important role in our ability to protect life and property from fire.” ^[2]

Not having an adequate and readily available supply of water for fire service can result in the following:

• Higher fire insurance premiums
• Inefficient and ineffective fire service
• A negative impact on business and economic development; and
• High property loss and greater potential for injury and loss of life.

^[2] Water Supplies for Commercial and Residential Fire Protection, Colorado Springs Fire Department.