Which water supply method is usually the first choice when water supply is limited?

In situations where water supply is limited, the tanker shuttle method typically becomes the first choice. This method involves utilizing water tankers to transport water from a distant water source to the fire scene. It is particularly effective in suburban areas where hydrants may not be readily available or where the local water supply is insufficient to meet the demands of firefighting operations.

The key advantage of a tanker shuttle is its ability to maintain a consistent water supply over a sustained period. Tankers can continuously refill from a nearby water source and deliver it to the site of the emergency. This approach provides a reliable and efficient means of ensuring that firefighters have the necessary resources to combat fires effectively.

While other options, such as relay pumping, could theoretically be utilized in some circumstances, they typically require a robust water supply at both the source and the destination, making them less effective when the supply is constrained. Tankers are specifically designed to address these challenges by bringing water directly to the scene, thus making the tank shuttle the preferred option when faced with limited water supply scenarios.