“While the BearsPaw SEPARATOR may look like a traditional low-level strainer, it operates on a completely different principle: separation technology.” – Andy Soccodato
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U.S. fire service instructor and rural drafting expert Andy Soccodato of The Water Thieves tested BearsPaw SEPARATORS® in shallow, sandy water and documented why they work where strainers struggle. His field review highlights shallow-water drafting, sand and silt rejection, and reliable water supply in the sources crews usually avoid.
In just 60 seconds, discover the technology that protects your pump, saves refill time, and keeps your crew in action.
This is rural drafting, redefined.
See It at Work: Real deployment shots from departments
However, with BearsPaw SEPARATORS®, this is a good, easy, usable water source. Two angles. One truth… it’s less than 12-inches deep.
Photos & information below provided by Maryland State Firefighters Assn Water Supply and Resource Division
30′ of 6″ suction hose, 8′ total lift from top of water to pump intake, 1200 GPM max flow obtained.
Dump tanks are easy. Shallow creeks, shorelines, and sandy-bottom ponds are where patented Separator technology outperform strainers because they:
✅ Sit on the bottom of natural sources — No floats. Works in just 6 inches.
✅ Eject sand & debris — Clean water flows to your pump, tank, sprinkler heads & nozzles.
✅ No lost prime or vortex — Steady high-volume flows even in ugly conditions.
✅ Deploy and go — No babysitting the intake.
✅ Promote faster refill times — Draft nearer the fire, not only where deep water exists.
✅ Are also ideal for dewatering: flooded basements, parkades, excavations (broken water mains), mines, etc.
“This thing is amazing. I have dropped it in 6 inches of water and had a continuous water source without any debris in my porta tank or nozzles.”
Township of Madawaska Valley, ON
Join fire departments across North America who’ve eliminated pump damage, reduced refill times, and gained access to previously unusable water sources. Whether you’re drafting from a creek or pond, Separators give you confidence, speed, and protection.
Whether you’re ready for pricing, or need to compare models first, get what you need in one click:
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