Rainwater Harvesting & Cisterns

Cisterns
Cisterns are large rainwater storage tanks. They are made out of any impervious, water-retaining material and are only distinguishable from rain barrels because they are larger and have a different shape.

Located either above or below ground a cistern consists of a solid secure cover, a leaf/mosquito screen at the entrance, a coarse inlet filter with clean-out valve, overflow pipe, and a man hole, sump and drain to facilitate cleaning. 
The benefits of a cistern are exactly the same as those of rain barrels, just at a larger scale due to greater roof area and larger volume of rainwater stored.
Rain Barrel Cistern
Benefits
  • Encourages water conservation.
  • Re-uses rain water saving water usage & money.
  • Reduces runoff.
  • Captures runoff before it has a chance to pick up pollutants that end up in nearby waterways.
  • Easy to install
cistern Chi Ctr Green Tech