What type of water distribution system is used in high buildings with tanks at different intermediate levels?

In high buildings, a gravity system is designed to utilize the natural force of gravity to distribute water from elevated tanks to lower levels. When tanks are positioned at various intermediate levels within a high rise, water can flow downwards to supply the different floors through a network of pipes without relying solely on pumps. This method is efficient, as it minimizes energy consumption since water descends naturally due to gravitational force.

Using a gravity system also helps maintain consistent water pressure across the building, especially when tanks are thoughtfully placed to serve different stories. This system is particularly advantageous because once water is elevated into the tanks, it can be released to feed lower floors directly, without the need for additional mechanical force.

In contrast, while pressure systems depend on pumps to create water pressure at various points, a gravity system primarily leverages height for pressure. A pumping system, on the other hand, relies exclusively on mechanical means to move water and is often used in conjunction with gravity systems, but in this scenario, the tanks themselves are key to the effectiveness of gravity flow. Mixed systems might employ both pumps and gravity but do not emphasize one over the other as clearly as a pure gravity system would. Thus, the gravity system is the most appropriate description for such a water distribution setup