Cisterns
Cisterns are common in Montana, but what are they and why are they so common?
What are cisterns?
A cistern is a storage system designed to hold water for a home, especially crucial in areas where direct access to municipal water supplies is unavailable or unreliable. Typically installed underground or above ground near a residence, cisterns collect and store springwater, well water or water hauled in from external sources. This stored water is then pumped into the home as needed for drinking, washing, and irrigation purposes. Cisterns are an essential component of rural or remote living, providing homeowners with a self-sufficient solution to meet their water needs and ensuring a consistent supply despite geographical challenges.
How Cisterns Work: Cistern systems collect water from external sources, storing it until it's needed for domestic use. Water is transferred into the home's water system either through gravity—if the cistern is positioned higher than the house's water inlet—or more commonly, via a pump that pressurizes the water for household use.
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Key Components of a Cistern Water System:
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Water Source: Cisterns can gather water from a variety of sources, including wells, rainwater collected from rooftops, springs, or it can be supplied by certified water hauling services.
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Fill Port: This entry point allows fresh water to be added to the cistern, featuring screens or filters to block debris and contaminants from entering the system.
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Storage Reservoir: The cistern itself acts as a watertight container that holds the collected water. Its size and placement depend on the source of the water and the household's daily water consumption. For a family of three, which typically uses about 200 gallons per day, it's advisable to have a cistern that can store several days' worth of water. On average, residential cisterns can hold up to 5,000 gallons.
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Reservoir Hatch: Essential for maintenance, this lockable hatch allows for the cleaning and inspection of water, designed to be watertight to keep the stored water free from external contaminants.
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Water Pump: Necessary when the cistern is situated lower than the home's main water inlet, this pump is responsible for moving water into the home's plumbing system.
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Withdrawal Pipe: This pipe connects the cistern to the home's water system, installed above the reservoir's bottom to avoid drawing in sediment.
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Incorporating these components, cistern systems provide a sustainable and efficient solution for water storage and supply, particularly suited to households located in remote or off-grid settings. Understanding the operation and structure of cistern systems is essential for anyone considering this water supply option, ensuring a continuous and safe water source for their home.
Pros vs. Cons of Cisterns
Pros:
1. Control Over Water Supply: Cisterns provide homeowners with the autonomy to manage their water reserves, allowing them to refill as needed based on consumption and availability.
2. Source Diversification: Cisterns offer the advantage of using various water sources, enabling access to the highest quality water available, from local deliveries to natural collections.
3. Customized System Design: Tailored to meet individual household demands, cistern systems can be designed for efficiency, accommodating diverse water usage needs with ease.
4. Enhanced Sustainability: The use of cisterns encourages environmentally responsible water practices, promoting the conservation of water resources and supporting sustainable living efforts.
5. Opportunity for Remote Living: Cisterns enable the construction of homes in secluded areas without traditional water services, expanding possibilities for homeownership and lifestyle choices in remote locations.
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Cons:
1. Personal Hauling Effort: Homeowners who decide to haul water themselves take on the physical and logistical tasks of transporting water, necessitating access to a suitable vehicle and containers.
2. Time and Energy Investment: The process of self-hauling water requires a substantial commitment of time and energy, directly impacting homeowners' daily routines and availability for other activities.
3. Careful Water Usage Monitoring: Given the cistern's limited capacity, meticulous management of water use is essential to ensure the supply lasts, necessitating strategic planning and possibly lifestyle adjustments.
4. Seasonal and Environmental Considerations: While often manageable, homeowners should be aware of how seasonal changes and environmental factors might influence their water hauling schedule and accessibility.
5. Efficiency in Planning: Optimizing water hauling trips to align with other necessary travel can reduce the overall effort and time commitment, serving as a practical consideration for effective household management.
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To close on cisterns...
In Montana, cisterns are particularly prevalent in locations where well water is either too deep to access or not available. The convenience of water delivery services can significantly streamline life with a cistern, ensuring a hassle-free way to maintain your water supply. Additionally, many residents opt for a practical solution by keeping a smaller tank in their "errand truck." This allows them to conveniently refill their cistern during regular trips to town, ensuring their supply remains topped up without the need for dedicated water-fetching journeys. Embracing these strategies can make living with a cistern not just feasible but effortlessly manageable.