New Pasadena Fire Department Apparatus to Save Millions of Gallons of Water Each Year

The Pasadena Fire Department took possession of a new apparatus Thursday that is expected to save 8 million gallons of water each year by allowing firefighters to recycle the water used during training exercises, officials said.

The DRAFTS system, which stands for Direct Recirculating Apparatus Firefighting Training Sustainability, looks much like a truck, but is outfitted with equipment that allows water from firefighters’ hoses to be recirculated back into the fire engine, according to Pasadena Fire Department officials and manufacturer Pump Pod USA.

It was purchased with funds provided by the California Firefighter Joint Apprenticeship Committee, according to PFD Capt. Capt. Christiaan Miller.

By saving water, as well as money, the apparatus increases opportunities for “vital realistic training” for fighters, he said.

“The department believes it will save 8 million gallons of water per year and allow for unlimited training using ‘charged’ hose lines,” Miller said. “The department and the environment will benefit from this purchase.”