Cisterns are large containers used to hold water, with above and below ground options. They have been used for thousands of years to conserve rainwater and supplement water reserves. Gravity-fed cisterns can still be seen in many regions of the world, and filters may be installed for domestic use. In-ground tanks are more efficient but require pumps to get water out. Cisterns come in various shapes and sizes and have covers to keep contaminants out.
A cistern is a large container used to hold a supply of water. Tanks can be both above and below ground and come in a range of sizes and shapes, with different characteristics. Many people in arid or rural areas have cisterns to support their regular water supply, and in some cases, a cistern is used as the primary source of water for a household. Several companies sell ready-made cisterns for people to install, and others will custom build a cistern to your exact specifications.
People have been storing water in cisterns for thousands of years. Many ancient cultures understood the value of conserving rainwater, rather than letting it run off, and built large pots and later large containers for the purpose of storing rainwater. Some cisterns could also be filled from springs or rivers. The cistern could be used to supplement the water reserves during the dry seasons and to irrigate the gardens.
Gravity-fed cisterns can still be seen in many regions of the world. These cisterns collect rainwater with open floors or gutter systems and are mounted on platforms or towers that elevate them above a house or garden. The pull of gravity draws water into your irrigation or home plumbing, allowing the cistern to deliver water without using electricity. The flow rate of a gravity tank can be controlled with valves, or increased with the help of a pump.
When a cistern is used to store water for domestic use, filters may be installed to clean the water before it reaches the home. If not, you may need to boil your water or use water treatment tablets to make it drinkable. When used for irrigation, filters aren’t usually included, as plants aren’t as vulnerable to algae and other water contaminants.
An in-ground tank can be quite large, and tends to be more efficient than an above-ground tank, as it doesn’t lose water to evaporation as the earth insulates it. However, creating a gravity feed system for an underground cistern is quite challenging, and many people have to install pumps to get water out of an underground cistern; in regions without electricity, people may use buckets to haul water from the cistern. Either way, the classic shape of a cistern is round or rectangular, although other shapes can be made to fit unusual spaces. The cistern also typically has a hood or cover to keep animals, plants, and insects out of the water.
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