What is the risk of having inadequate water pressure in a standpipe system?

Having inadequate water pressure in a standpipe system primarily results in ineffective firefighting efforts due to low flow rates. Standpipe systems are designed to provide firefighters with the necessary water flow and pressure to suppress a fire effectively. Proper pressure ensures that hoses can deliver sufficient water to reach the fire and maintain the necessary volume to combat flames.

When water pressure is inadequate, the flow rate of water through the hoses decreases significantly, making it difficult for firefighters to extinguish the fire efficiently. This can prolong the duration of a fire event, increase the risk of fire spread, and ultimately result in more substantial property damage. Additionally, low flow rates may hinder the ability to reach certain heights or distances, especially in high-rise buildings where effective water delivery is critical for firefighting operations.

The other options present potential concerns as well, but they stem from different issues within the system rather than the primary risk associated with inadequate water pressure, which is the inability to provide effective firefighting responses.