THE HOMESTEAD CISTERN

(Page 5 of 5)

May/June 1978
 
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One part of our system that we're particularly pleased with (especially considering that its dimensions were arrived at mostly by guesswork) is the water filter (a trapezoidal concrete box divided into a 2' X 3' X 1'-deep "main section" and a smaller, triangular section with 18"-long sides). So far, we haven't had a chance to try sand, charcoal, and gravel in combination . . . instead, we've had to rely just upon pea gravel and metal screening as filtering agents. (The screening is installed below the gravel as well as atop the filter box's partition wall.) Nonetheless, we're quite happy with the clean water that our filter produces.

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DO SOME DIGGING BEFORE YOU BEGIN

If I had just one piece of advice to give to someone who's interested in installing a rainwater cistern, it'd be this: Do your homework before you begin. Check with your state health department and the state department of agriculture for literature on the subject of cisterns and water systems. Also, talk to your county agent . . . he may be able to suggest (or even give you) helpful bulletins, reprints, etc. A trip to the library could also prove beneficial.

Unfortunately, you won't find detailed discussions of cisterns in many of the popular books on homesteading. Two guides that do cover cisterns in some depth are: [1] the American Association for Vocational Instructional Materials' Planning for an Individual Water System (available for $7.55 postpaid from AAVIM, 120 Engineering Center, Athens, Ga. 30602), and [2] Volunteers in Technical Assistance's Using Water Resources (available for $5.00 plus 95¢ shipping and handling from Mother's Bookshelf, P.O. Box 70, Hendersonville, N.C. 28739).

Do a little digging and you just may find that a lack of ground water doesn't have to keep you from purchasing that much-wanted patch of land in the country. Not if you're willing—like us—to drink (and bathe in) a little rainwater now and then.

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  • Harriet 8/15/2009 3:17:39 PM

    I am living on the farm that my Great Great Grandfather and his son built back in the 1920's. So, I have had experienc e with underground cisterns. The rural water line runs right behind our house and we are not hooked up to it and I am glad because from what I have seen and heard we don't want to be hooked to rural water. My Grandparents spoiled me and they don't even know it. The cistern is big enough to handle a family of 4. You still have to conserve your usage,Like do not take a shower with the water running constantly, things like that. And the best thing of all, no water bills!

  • redlenses 2/19/2009 5:56:00 AM

    Could anyone tell me if there is a danger of collecting water for emergency drinking from an asphalt roof poses any dangers?

    From what info I can find the stuff is a potential carcinogen if inhaled over a long period, but nothing on consuming it. Any help would be appreciated.

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