Fire protection service differs from other services provided by the Utility System.  Essentially it is a standby service that the Utility makes available on demand. Although most fire hydrants and sprinkler connections are rarely used, the Utility must be ready to provide adequate water quantities and pressures at all times throughout the distribution system. The costs associated with maintaining the supply, treatment, pumping, storage, and distribution capacity for fire protection services include annual operating and maitenance costs and capital costs invested in facilities that are sized larger than necessary for non fire-fighting purposes.