The IICRC WRT body of knowledge stresses the importance of accurately estimating the volume of standing water to support proper extraction planning, equipment selection, and safety evaluation. This question requires a volumetric calculation using length, width, depth, and standard water conversion factors.
First, calculate the cubic volume of water:
20 ft × 25 ft × 4.5 ft =2,250 cubic feetof water.
According to WRT reference tables,1 cubic foot of water equals approximately 8.34 gallons. Multiplying:
2,250 cubic feet × 8.34 gallons/cu ft =18,765 gallons(rounded).
This calculation confirms option D as correct. The WRT curriculum includes these conversions to help restorers assess extraction time, pump capacity, disposal logistics, and safety hazards such as hydrostatic pressure or structural loading.
Understanding water volume is not merely academic. Large volumes of standing water significantly affect drying timelines, contamination potential, and classification decisions. The ANSI/IICRC S500 Standard emphasizes prompt and adequate bulk water removal as a critical first step in mitigation.
Accurate water-volume estimation also supports documentation and communication with materially interested parties, ensuring that restoration actions are technically justified and defensible.
