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Components |
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There are six basic components
to any type of cistern:
1. Catchment Area/Roof-surface that rain falls on
2. Gutters/Downspouts-moves water from roof to cistern
3. Leaf Screens/Roofwashers-prevents debris from entering the system
4. Storage Tanks (Cistern)-structure in which rainwater is stored
5. Conveying System-gravity or pumping system
6. Water Treatment-filters and equipment plus additives to settle,
filter and disinfect stored water |
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Figure 1: Typical Underground
Cistern |
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Cistern
Types |
MATERIALS
|
FEATURES |
CAUTION |
Plastics |
Garbage cans(20-50
gal)
|
Commercially
available |
Use
only new cans |
Fiberglass |
Commercially available,
Alterable and moveable |
Degradable, requires interior
coating |
Polyethylene/Polypropylene
|
Commercially available,
Alterable and moveable |
Degradable, requires exterior
coating |
Metals |
Steel drums
(55 gal)
|
Commercially
available,
Alterable and moveable |
Verify prior
use for toxins, corrodes and rusts, small capacity |
Galvanized
Steel Tanks |
Commercially
available,
Alterable and moveable |
Possible corrosion
and rust |
Concrete
and Masonry |
Ferrocement
|
Durable, immovable
|
Potential to
crack and fall |
Stone, Concrete Block |
Durable, immovable |
Difficult to maintain |
Monolithic/Poured in Place |
Durable, immovable |
Potential to crack |
Wood |
Redwood, Douglas Fir, Cypress
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Attractive, durable |
Expensive
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