ᐅ Cistern in the garden / driveway

Created on: 31 Jan 2020 22:28
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Piotr1981
We are planning to build or buy a rainwater cistern. Has anyone here had experience with this? The cistern is primarily intended for garden irrigation.
According to the development plan, rainwater infiltration on the property is not allowed.

Concrete?
Plastic?
What else should we consider?
Toilet connection?
Where to position it?

I would like to take this into account directly during the excavation for the foundation slab and have the hole dug at the same time.

Looking forward to your ideas and tips.
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Piotr1981
1 Feb 2020 20:53
kaho674 schrieb:

Yes, the 23,000 liters (6,100 gallons) should be enough for an initial firefighting water supply. There are minimum required amounts. One year later, a public 100,000 liters (26,400 gallons) cistern was built right across the street. Very frustrating, especially since we had offered to share part of the costs for a public project. But I’ll just say "the authorities".

Do you have a concrete or plastic cistern?
kaho6741 Feb 2020 20:55
Piotr1981 schrieb:

Do you have a concrete or plastic cistern?
Concrete.
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Piotr1981
1 Feb 2020 21:04
kaho674 schrieb:

We had to install two cisterns for firefighting water, which we are now allowed to repurpose. Back then, the two units cost about 5,000 euros each including installation for 23,000 liters (6,075 gallons). Connecting them to the household drainage was fairly straightforward – much more complex is the planning of the irrigation system.

May I send you something via private message?
kaho6741 Feb 2020 21:07
Sure, although I’m afraid I don’t have much more to add on that part.
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Piotr1981
1 Feb 2020 21:08
kaho674 schrieb:

Sure, although I’m afraid I don’t have much more to add on that part.

I just realized I can’t write right now oops:
rick20181 Feb 2020 22:21
Even with a 500m2 (5400 sq ft) plot, I would lean towards building a 10,000-liter (2,640-gallon) tank. This way, you can store some water during rainy periods and in winter. Depending on how the garden is designed, even a small garden can use several square meters per watering session.

I don’t mind whether the tank is made of concrete or plastic—it depends on what fits better in terms of size, shape, and price.

I would install a fine mesh inlet filter with backwash function right from the start. It can also be used as a source for fresh water supply.

Choose a pump with sufficient capacity and pressure, especially if it’s for irrigation purposes.

Don’t try to use the cistern water for toilets or similar household uses. It simply doesn’t make sense (double plumbing, etc.). Also, the cistern will be too small if you want to water the garden. After two to three dry weeks at the latest, it will run dry.