Hello,
I wanted to ask if a rainwater cistern is worth it at all if it is only used for garden irrigation.
About our house: All the rainwater is directed through pipes into the garden to the soakaways (from both sides of the roof and from the garage driveway).
My idea was to install a cistern before the soakaways with an overflow that flows into the soakaways.
We would then use the water for garden irrigation (possibly with an automatic irrigation system).
Is it possible to install the cistern yourself?
I wanted to ask if a rainwater cistern is worth it at all if it is only used for garden irrigation.
About our house: All the rainwater is directed through pipes into the garden to the soakaways (from both sides of the roof and from the garage driveway).
My idea was to install a cistern before the soakaways with an overflow that flows into the soakaways.
We would then use the water for garden irrigation (possibly with an automatic irrigation system).
Is it possible to install the cistern yourself?
M
Myrna_Loy10 Aug 2022 09:25motorradsilke schrieb:
Then you can calculate when it becomes cost-effective. For example, we have a separate water meter for garden water and pay €1.60 per m³ (43 US gallons). Then you compare that to the costs of the cistern and the electricity for the pump. Keep in mind that even in summers like this one, you still need household water. The most economical option is always a private well, if it can be drilled at a reasonable depth. The same argument was made with gas heating systems 😉 Of course, it’s not financially viable right now, but just wait for water prices to rise or for restrictions on using drinking water. Private wells are no longer allowed to be drilled here, and the use of existing ones might even be banned because groundwater levels are dropping significantly. A large cistern can last for several weeks with careful use. Of course, not if you water the lawn every day.
M
motorradsilke10 Aug 2022 09:34Myrna_Loy schrieb:
The same argument was made about gas heating systems 😉 Of course, it’s not financially worthwhile at the moment, but just wait until water prices increase or the use of drinking water is restricted. Here, private wells are no longer allowed to be drilled, and the use of existing ones may also be prohibited because groundwater levels are dropping so much. A large cistern can last several weeks with careful use. Of course, not if you water the lawn every day. Where I live, watering green spaces and gardens is currently prohibited from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., regardless of the water source, including cisterns. But yes, you are right—if the situation changes, a cistern could eventually become worthwhile.
M
Myrna_Loy10 Aug 2022 09:56Our landlord is really passionate about gardening. After some dry winters during which several plants died, she had a rainwater cistern installed two years ago. The driveway needed to be paved anyway. As ground floor tenants, we have garden access, and I’m really surprised by how much water is needed even for such a small area. The cistern isn’t very large, but we have saved quite a few liters of drinking water this way.
That my husband installed a water-saving shower head, however, I still hold against him. 🙂
That my husband installed a water-saving shower head, however, I still hold against him. 🙂
9 a.m. to 7 p.m. are also poor times for watering.
Rainwater is more environmentally friendly than drinking water.
With an optimal garden design and sufficient water reserve, you might get through a water usage ban without significant damage.
Cisterns and rain barrels are currently not cost-effective.
Cisterns are more expensive than rain barrels.
Rain barrels can be installed at any time.
Rain barrels require a lot of space (excluding the decorative 200-liter (50-gallon) barrels).
For a 200 m² (2,150 ft²) area and the option of a cistern, I would prefer the cistern.
Rainwater is more environmentally friendly than drinking water.
With an optimal garden design and sufficient water reserve, you might get through a water usage ban without significant damage.
Cisterns and rain barrels are currently not cost-effective.
Cisterns are more expensive than rain barrels.
Rain barrels can be installed at any time.
Rain barrels require a lot of space (excluding the decorative 200-liter (50-gallon) barrels).
For a 200 m² (2,150 ft²) area and the option of a cistern, I would prefer the cistern.