What is a cistern and when does it make sense?
A cistern is a tank, above ground or buried, that holds water for later use. People use them where wells are dry, expensive, or poor quality, and where rainfall or a delivery service can fill them reliably.
It also works as a backup. A cistern beside a well gives you a reserve for dry spells, pump failure, or a fire emergency.
Think about how the water will be used before you build anything. A tank for livestock and gardens is a different project from a tank that feeds household plumbing, with different testing, treatment and approval needs.
How do you decide how big it should be?
Start from use, not from tank catalogs. Think about how many people live in the home, how many animals you water, and how long you may go between fills. Then think about the longest dry stretch in your area.
An extension agent or a licensed water professional can help you size a tank for your situation. Bigger is not always better, since water that sits too long can go stale.
Write down your estimates and revisit them after a year of real use. Many households use more in summer and less in winter, and a log reveals the pattern.
- Household members and daily habits
- Number and type of livestock
- Gap between fills or rainfalls
- Space and budget for installation
Above ground or buried?
Above-ground tanks are easier to inspect and repair but can freeze, warm in the sun, and take up space. Buried tanks stay cooler and out of sight, but they cost more to install and are harder to inspect.
Buried tanks bring extra concerns, such as groundwater pushing them upward when empty and the need for safe access for cleaning. Ask a licensed contractor and the county about local requirements.
Cold climates change the choice again. Above-ground tanks can freeze and burst, and buried tanks must sit below the frost line. Local contractors know what has worked in your soil and climate.
Where should it be located?
Keep a cistern away from septic fields, livestock pens, fuel storage, and anywhere runoff can pool. Distances are set by local and state rules, so do not guess. Contact the county health department for setback requirements.
Think about access too. A delivery truck needs room, and a hatch needs a clear path for inspection.
Be careful near power lines, septic lines and buried utilities when digging for a tank. Call your state 811 service before any excavation so lines can be marked.
- Distance from septic fields, livestock and fuel storage
- Slope and drainage around the tank pad
- Truck and equipment access
- Protection from vehicle traffic
How do you keep cistern water clean?
Screens, a sealed lid, a first flush diverter for rain systems, and a protected vent all matter. Contamination usually enters through openings, so inspect every one.
Cisterns need periodic cleaning to remove sediment. Whether and how to disinfect water for drinking depends on the source and local rules, so work with the county health department and a certified lab.
Warning signs include odd smells, cloudy water, a slick on the surface, or illness in the household. Stop drinking the water and contact the county health department if you see these.
What about hauled water?
Many rural households fill cisterns from a bulk water hauler. Ask the hauler where the water comes from, how the truck is cleaned, and how deliveries are handled. Keep records of dates and amounts.
Even delivered water can pick up problems inside a dirty tank or hose, so test your supply periodically.
Hauling costs and delivery schedules change, and you should not rely on one provider. Keep a second supplier's number handy in case of storms or road closures.
- Ask where the water comes from
- Ask how the truck and hose are kept clean
- Keep delivery dates and amounts in a log
What routine checks help most?
Walk around the tank monthly. Look for cracks, rust, damp ground, loose lids, and pests. Check the water level, pump, and pressure switch if you have one.
Write down what you find. A small log catches slow leaks and wear before they become a failure in the middle of winter.
A yearly walk-through with a professional can catch problems like corroded fittings or weakened tank walls that you may not notice on your own.
Key takeaways
- Size a cistern from real use and the longest dry stretch.
- Keep it away from contamination sources and follow local setback rules.
- Seal and screen all openings, and clean sediment on schedule.
- Test water periodically, including hauled water.
Sources and further reading
Last reviewed: November 12, 2026. Written by the Rural Farm Life Editorial Team. See our editorial policy.