Cisterns to Collect Non-Potable Water for Domestic Use Joe Sewards, MS UF/IFAS Extension, Volusia County Urban Horticulture Agent and Master Gardener Coordinator

Why Cisterns? Supplies of groundwater are limited in many parts of Florida. To conserve groundwater, rainwater can be used for such things as watering gardens or washing cars. Part of an overall strategy to reduce stormwater runoff and reduce groundwater withdrawals.

Rainwater Harvesting Sometimes the cleanest water depending on location At the lot scale, a roof typically represents the largest impervious area Depending on storage capacity, significant reduction in source Can be used for irrigation, and slowly released to infiltration, Flush toilets

Cisterns are a PART of the Overall Solution! Low Impact Development attempts to address some of these issues using the following principles: Integrate stormwater management early in site planning activities (cisterns) Use natural hydrologic functions as the integrating framework Focus on prevention rather than mitigation (cisterns) Emphasize simple, nonstructural, low-tech, and low cost methods (possibly cisterns) Manage as close to the source as possible (cisterns) Distribute small-scale practices throughout the landscape Rely on natural features and processes Create a multifunctional landscape (cisterns)

Types of Cisterns Although usually located underground, cisterns may be placed at ground level or on elevated stands either outdoors or within buildings They should be fabricated from non-reactive materials such as reinforced concrete, galvanized steel, and plastic

Catchment System Gutters and downspouts should be easy to clean and inspect. Rainwater picks up dust, soot, bird droppings, leaves and other foreign materials that add objectionable organisms, color and odor to the water. Do not collect water under overhanging trees. Gutter guards and roof washers can improve the quality of the collected water.

Design and Construction An opening large enough to provide easy access of a person into the cistern should be left at the top. This opening needs to have a watertight cover with a lock to reduce the risks of contamination or accidents. An overflow pipe should also be provided. The cistern must be watertight. Inlets and outlets should be screened and valves should permit control of water flow.

Conclusion A properly constructed and operated cistern can be a source of supplemental water to provide for water needs other than human consumption. This supplemental water supply can be very useful when sources of potable water are limited or expensive. Reduces dependence on groundwater Doesn’t use potable water for irrigation!!!!!!!!

Of Interest – FAQ’s In some states it is in fact illegal to collect rainwater, as the rights to that water are held by others — especially in states with large areas of agriculture, where rainwater becomes groundwater used for irrigation. Why is collecting rainwater illegal in some places?

Can rain water be used for drinking? Of Interest – FAQ’s Rainwater can be used for potable water (drinking, cooking, bathing) or non-potable uses such as landscape irrigation, livestock watering and washing. Collecting and using rainwater has numerous benefits, ranging from improved water quality to reduced stress on underground aquifers. Please check with local ordinances!!! Can rain water be used for drinking?

Cistern Suppliers and Other Resources Rain Harvest Systems - https://www.rainharvest.com/shop/ Graf Corporation - https://www.graf-water.com/retention/retention-cisterns.html Rain Exchange - http://rainxchange.com/ American Rainwater Catchment Association - https://www.arcsa.org/default.aspx

Blue Spring Alliance StephenKintner@gmail.com Cisterns http://bluespringalliance.org/cisterns/ Events “When It Rains It Stores” from 10:00-11:00 a.m. Saturday, November 10th. Rainwater harvesting is the accumulation and storage of rainwater for later use. We will discuss various methods of rain water storage, such as rain barrels, rain gardens and cisterns. You’ll learn how to size your systems to meet your needs, what you’ll need to get started, and some of the ways you can use the water you collect. The class is an introduction to Rainwater Harvesting.

Thank you!