Is your home a good candidate for a cistern? It may be a good fit if your roof can collect useful runoff, you have a practical site for a tank, and you have a clear plan for using and overflowing the stored water. Before choosing a system, consider your roof and downspouts, tank location, local rules, storage needs, and how overflow will be managed.
When a cistern may make sense
- You want to collect rainwater for gardens or other planned uses.
- You want to supplement a well or have an additional water source.
- Your roof and downspouts can direct enough runoff to make storage worthwhile.
As a general rule of thumb, smaller homes with less than 1,000 square feet of roof area may do well with rain barrels. A larger cistern may make more sense when you have more roof area to collect from or need greater storage.
Check the site and local requirements
Choose a location that can connect to the roof’s downspouts and is reasonably close to where you plan to use the water. Consider access for installation, nearby neighbors, existing landscaping, and local requirements. Underground cisterns may require permits, so check with your local authorities before work begins.
Before excavation, have underground utilities located and confirm required clearances from utilities, sewer lines, trees, and other site features. A site professional can help plan the layout while minimizing disruption to the landscape.
Plan tank size and overflow
The right tank size depends on your roof area, local rainfall, the downspouts you connect, and how you plan to use the water. Rain Brothers can help estimate a suitable size based on those details.
Also plan where excess water will go when the cistern is full. Depending on the site, options may include an overflow outlet to a rain garden or another runoff collector. Underground systems may need additional drainage planning when groundwater levels are high.
Explore cistern options and get advice
Compare above-ground potable poly cisterns and precast concrete underground cisterns. For a free consultation, call or text Rain Brothers at 937-949-1100. We can talk through your roof, site, and water needs before you choose a system.
