The Crane Estate in #IpswichMA, which is on a hill, used a cistern system to collect and store rainwater for the entire household and their gardens!

#ThisOldHouse - What Is a #Cistern?

A cistern is a water storage system used in homes and landscapes. Learn how they work and when you might need one.

updated 6/25/2025

"A cistern is an underground tank that captures and stores rainwater that you can use for irrigation, emergencies, or daily water needs. Cisterns are especially helpful in areas with unreliable or expensive municipal water systems. We’ll explore the different types of cisterns, describe the benefits each offers, and explain how cisterns differ from wells in the guide below.

Definition of a Cistern

A cistern is a watertight tank that collects and stores water for later use and is typically made of reinforced concrete, cinder block, precast concrete, fiberglass, and steel. Your home’s gutters and downspouts usually funnel rainwater into your cistern, and you can use that water as a supplemental supply, an emergency supply, or for irrigation. Cisterns can also hold groundwater, household greywater, spring water, well water, or treated city water.

Professionals can install cisterns above ground, underground, or into building structures. Burying cisterns underground might be the best option, though, as underground cisterns keep water cool during warm months and prevent it from freezing during colder weather.

Cisterns intended for domestic use typically hold at least 5,000 gallons, but sizes and setups vary according to homeowners’ needs."

Learn more:
thisoldhouse.com/plumbing/what…

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