What characteristic defines a pressurized water supply system?

A pressurized water supply system is characterized by its ability to deliver water under pressure immediately, which ensures rapid response in fire fighting situations. This system typically utilizes pumps to maintain the pressure, allowing firefighters to access water quickly and effectively when needed. The instant delivery of water under pressure is crucial for suppressing fires efficiently and ensuring safety for both firefighters and structures involved.

Water stored exclusively in tanks would refer to a different type of system that does not inherently provide the immediate pressurized delivery that is essential during emergencies. Flow dependent on gravity involves systems like open reservoirs where pressure relies on the elevation of the water source, which does not meet the need for immediate pressure in firefighting scenarios. While pumps can contribute to generating pressure in some systems, stating that they are the only means by which pressure is generated does not account for other potential methods in different water supply systems. Therefore, the defining feature of this system is its capability to deliver water under pressure instantly when required.