Heather Nickel, and Lisa Ostendorf  
   
Introduction  
   
A cistern is a tank or barrel used for storing rainwater that is collected from a roof or other catchment area. Cisterns are used as a supplement to other water sources; they are very useful when the source of water for a home is limited during dry periods of the year. In many areas, supplies of groundwater are limited. To conserve groundwater, rainwater can be used for such things as watering gardens or washing cars. However, chlorine must be added if the water is intended for domestic use. As world fresh water resources decline, water obtained by alternative methods will be in greater and greater demand. There is no better place to find water than from the natural runoff and in one’s own backyard.  
   
 

Typical 1500 gallon cistern with two
downspouts

Typical rainbarrel