For a drafting operation with 10 feet of lift, what is the maximum available water flow using 4" hoses?

In a drafting operation, the maximum available water flow through hoses is influenced by various factors, including the diameter of the hose and the lift involved. For a 4-inch hose, the flow rate can be calculated based on the friction loss, the capacity of the hose, and the pressure available.

Typically, a 4-inch hose is capable of delivering a significant volume of water, often in the range of 700 to 800 gallons per minute (GPM). When considering a lift of 10 feet, it's important to acknowledge that the pressure will drop slightly, but 10 feet of lift is relatively low and does not dramatically reduce the flow rate.

The maximum flow achievable with a 4-inch hose under optimal conditions and with low lift is about 800 GPM, as this size allows for less friction loss and higher throughput. Therefore, selecting 800 GPM reflects the best possible output given the hose diameter and operational parameters, which aligns with the expectations for fire service operations involving drafting.