This list is not intended to answer all of your questions but to give you a basic overview on the operation of a cistern

1) What is a cistern?  A cistern is a large holding tank for potable water.  It is usually made of concrete block or poured concrete that has been plastered and then sealed with a special sealer to prevent leaks.

 2) Who has a cistern? Most homes that are outside the reach of public water will have either a well or else a cistern.  If you live in an area that tends to have contaminated well water it is likely that your house will have a cistern.

 3) Is a cistern reliable? Yes. The average cistern holds anywhere from a one to three month supply of water, and is safe from most outside contaminants.  Cisterns have been in use for thousands of years and are even mentioned in the bible.

4) Is cistern water safe? Yes. Unlike a well, you can have a cistern cleaned on a regular basis to help prevent any chance of contamination.

5) How is a cistern filled? Usually the rainwater is collected from the roof and is diverted into the cistern via the spouting.  Or the other way is for a local water company to deliver a truckload of city water directly to your house to refill the cistern.

6) How often should a cistern be cleaned? It is recommended that you have a cistern professionally cleaned at least once every two years, some people even prefer to have theirs cleaned on an annual basis.

7) What is involved in having a cistern cleaned? First all the water is pumped out then any sediment that may have accumulated is cleaned off the bottom.  Next the walls and floor are cleaned with a mild cleaning and disinfectant solution.  Finally the walls and floor are inspected for any cracks, leaks, or other potential trouble spots.

8) Is there anything else that I can do to help keep the cistern clean? Yes, cleaning the spouting on a regular basis to help keep leaves and other debris from entering.  This will also allow ample water flow.  Be sure that a filter box and a water diverter are installed on the spouting.  The filter box should be inspected on a regular basis and cleaned as necessary. The diverter, or turn-out, is designed to divert the water away from the cistern; this is used after a long period without any rain to give the roof a chance for any dust, dirt or other debris to rinse off first.  To add extra chlorine to your water try putting a single chlorine tablet in the filter box.  Or, adding a 1” chlorine tablet directly to the cistern every month from May thru September.  Caution – excessive chlorine tends to be corrosive to the wall coating and can cause deterioration of the sealant.  Adding a whole house filter to your water system helps to eliminate any final chances of impurities.

9) How can I tell if cistern is leaking? In the evening turn off the water pump as well as the main shut off to the house.  Next, measure exactly how much water is the cistern.  Using a long pole to measure the water level is the easiest way.  Before turning the water back on in the morning measure the water again.  If the water level has dropped more than 1/4 “ than it is likely that you have leak. Note you should check the water level at least once a month and keep track of any unusual water usages.

10) What else could be a source of water lose?  The main source of water lose is a leaking toilet.

11) How do I cheek to see if my toilet is leaking? One method is to put a few drop of food coloring in the tank in the back.  Wait about ten to fifteen minutes.  If the colored water is now in the bowel then you have a leak.  The other way is to turn the water the off at the toilet overnight.  If the toilet is low in the morning then you have a leak.

12) How do you determine if a cistern needs to be resealed? There are many different factors that must be considered, and it is best that a professional determine if you need minor patch work or major repairs.  

If you have any other questions please feel free to call.