The primary function of the pressure tank in a pumped water system is to protect the pump motor, which is accomplished by storing water under pressure so the pump does not have to come on every time there is a small, intermittent demand for water.
The use of good quality spring-loaded check valves is an important part of providing your customer with a water system that will perform reliably for years.
The amount of drawdown capacity is determined by a formula known as Boyle's Law, and February's “Tech Topics” covers this formula and how to apply it to real-life conditions.