What is a common method to measure water flow in firefighting situations?

Using a flowmeter is a reliable and accurate method to measure water flow in firefighting situations. A flowmeter provides precise numerical data on the rate of water being delivered, typically measured in gallons per minute (GPM) or liters per second (LPS). This level of accuracy is crucial in firefighting, where knowing the exact flow rate helps firefighters make informed decisions about water supply needs, deployment strategies, and resource management during an incident.

In contrast, a flow gauge, while useful, can sometimes be less accurate or be used in specific scenarios where direct flow measurement might not be available. Pressure hoses are not designed for measuring flow; rather, they deal primarily with stemming the flow of water under pressure. Estimating by sight lacks precision and can lead to significant errors in calculating the actual water flow, which could compromise firefighting efforts.